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>L. X., No. 14. Subscription Price, $2.50. 


A STORY OF LOVE AND 
SPEOaLATlON. 


r. B. G0NNERY 


Author of “ Bon Tiburcio,” “ The DeviVs Finger ^ 
“ Mexican Tales^^ etc. 


Bsued Seml-Montiily. Entered at the rost-Offlc© at New Tork as second clasa matter. 



Carl L. Jensen’s Crystal Pepsin Tablets will cure Dyspepsia and will pr( 
vent Indigestion from rich food. Dose 1 tablet after each meal. Deliverf 
by mail for 60c. in stamps. Carl L. Jensen Co., 400 North F* 

Third Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Samples and Circulars ^ 



Way 


to fill a barrel with water, is ti) 
use a sieve. You can do it — but^ 
it takes time, patience! 
and hard work. So you 
can wash clothes with 
soap and , a wash-board 
but it isn’t the best 
way. It’s slow work,, 
hard work, costly work,f 


It wears out the things you’re trying to get 
clean. The best and easiest way is to use 
Pearline, That does the washing while you’re 
doing something else — does it without any cf 
the clumsy rubbing that takes so much time aM 
makes so much wear and tear, ' 

Beware of imitations. 320 JAMES PYLE, New York 


::0 I 

. j T The Great Secret of the 
Mountains, Germany. Bird 
Cage Birds, will prevent their 
good condition. It makes ca 
cling feathers. Sent by mail 
druggists. Bird Book free. 
Third Street, Philadelphia, 






Canary Breeders of the Harts 
Manna will restore the song o 
ailments and keep them ii 
naries sing, even while shed 
on receipt of 15c. Sold by al 
Bird Food Co., 4f)0 Nort) 
Pa. 


BLACK FRIDAY; 

A STORY OF LOVE AND SPECULATION. 


BY 

T. B. CONNERY, 

Author of ^^Don TiburciOj^* ^^The DeviVs Finger,'^ 
Mexican Tales etc. 




Specially W7'‘itten for Once a Week Library P 


New York: 

PETER FENELON COLLIER, PUBLISHER, 

1893. 


(Copyright, 1893.) 


T"> 

i 


‘t •' 

w- 


9 


BLACK FRIDAY 


CHAPTER L 

It was one of those very raw days, with much 
piercingly cold wind and rain, in the city of Chi- 
cago. An express train from San Francisco had 
just rolled into the station, and unloaded at least 
one-half its human freight amid the din and roar 
that usually prevail on such occasions. One of the 
Pullman sleepers was left with a solitary tenant ; 
all the other passengers had disappeared. This 
passenger was a distinguished-looking young man, 
tall — a little over six feet — but well built and hav- 
ing the appearance of one whose physical culture 
had been judiciously cared for. He was handsome, 
too, possessing that manly style of beauty admired 
by the gentler sex. Though dressed in an ordi- 
nary traveling suit of blue flannel, with a little cap 
on his head, there was something in the perfect cut 
of coat, vest and trousers, in the art with which 
his fine proportions were brought out, and in the 
way he wore his plain clothes, that stamped him 
as the scion of a wealthy house. 

It is not easy to describe that something ; in 
fact, it is as difficult to explain as it is to counter- 
feit it. Two men ma^^ be of the same stature and 
wear the same kind of clothes, and yet each may 
carry himself differently. One will appear thor- 
oughly well-dressed ; he will be quite at ease and 
unconscious of his superior bearing; the other will 


4 


BLACK FRIDAY, 


be just the reverse. It is that something ” that 
constitutes the difference. In the case of this par- 
ticular joimg man — even if he had not possessed a 
face rendered so attractive by a pair of soft-brown, 
dreamy-looking eyes, straight nose and well-formed 
mouth, above which there was a pretty well-devel- 
oped mustache — he would have been considered dis- 
tingue merely from the careless elegance of his 
clothes and the quiet gentlemanliness of his whole 
demeanor. There was none of the fashionable 
languor about his face ; on the contrarj^, when he 
stood up for a moment and passed his hand through 
the slightly curly black locks that adorned his head , 
one could see he was of the nature that demands 
activity. The way bestrode out of the car and ex- 
ercised his limbs walking quickly back and forth 
along the depot, showed he was not one of the 
lollers. The fact was, he was tired of the long con- 
finement of his Pullman palace car accommodation, 
and "^he was growing impatient to be at the end of 
his trip — New York was his destination — and now 
he was calculating how many of his long strides it 
would take to cover the distance between the 
Windy City and the great metropolis of America. 

^at would be a capital way to travel,’’ he 
thought. I should just like to try how long it 
would take me to walk all the way.” 

He laughed at the idea, which evidently had 
something exhilarating in it, for his pace increased 
in length and quickness surprisingly until he found 
people about the depot regarding him with a mixt- 
ure of amusement and astonishment. 

Confound it ! ” he said, half aloud, can’t one 
exercise without attracting ridicule ? ” 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


5 


His pace slackened, and after a few more min- 
utes of exercise he mounted the car platform and 
re-entered his Pullman. 

He sat down and took up the novel he had been 
reading-. But the noise, bustle and din about the 
depot annoj^ed him. He had not noticed them be- 
fore, but now that he had settled himself comfort- 
ably in his compartment, lolling- back on the finely 
cushioned seat, the uproar seemed deafening-. The 
wind whistled ferociously ; the eng-ines puffed and 
shrieked ; the baggag-e men shouted; the baggage 
wagons rumbled and rolled unceasingly^ ; the news- 
boys cried their extrys ; and even Ike, the ebony 
Pullman attendant, added to the discomfort of the 
situation by the flirtation he was just then carrying- 
on with a dusky female admirer from ^Hhe town.’’ 

Confound it all ! ” ejaculated the young gentle- 
man, impatiently^ letting his novel fall on his knees. 

wish the everlasting din would cease.” 

^^Did you call, sah? ” asked the ebony^ attend- 
ant, hastening to the young gentleman’s com- 
partment. 

Confound it, no ! ” answered the traveler. 

‘^Oh! ’sense me, sah; thought ymu’d a-called 
me,” replied Ike, apologetically, but at the same 
time winking sarcastically at his sweetheart. 

Ah ! ” exclaimed the y^oung man, with a sort of 
groan . 

Beg pardon, sah ; but did ymu speak ? ” again 
asked Ike. 

The ymung traveler deigned no reply. He 
merely^ gazed blankly^ at the darky^, until the 
darky moved away% considerably cowed, and went 
out of the Pullman. 


6 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


The young traveler looked about him, up and 
down the car. He was still alone. K'one of the 
former passengers had returned. 

^‘^Um ! I wonder if I’m to have the car all to 
myself ? Nothing would suit me better,’’ he con- 
tinued. 

He looked out the window and began to whistle 
idl^L Then he settled back on his seat and took up 
the novel again. 

This way, this wa}^,” exclaimed the bustling 
conductor. Ike, place the lady’s valise and rugs 
here.” 

Yes, sail ! — yes, sah ! ” said the attendant, 
obe^dng briskly. 

"•' Thank you,” sounded from a clear, musical 
female voice. 

The 3mung gentleman looked up and saw in the 
compartment directh’' opposite his own a charming 
young lady, who, holding her lorgnettes to her 
eyes, was already contemplating him with calm 
curiosity. The conductor smiled as he noticed the 
astonishment of the ^mung gentleman at this singu- 
larly bold scrutiny. 

"" Ike will take the best of care of you, Miss 
Vernon. Whenever you need anything call him, 
and you will find him quick and attentive,” re- 
marked the conductor. 

"" Thank you. I’ll trj^ to prove his usefulness,” 
responded the young lad3^, turning to the conductor. 

When will we reach New York ? ” 

""About noon to-morrov/.” 

"" Good ! suits me to a T,” said the ^mung lad^". 

When the conductor and Ike had gone the^mung' 
gentleman ventured to look again toward the owner 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


7 


of the very musical voice. She was arranging* her 
bangs by the aid of the little panel mirror of her 
compartment, after the coquettish fashion of yourg 
ladies in Pullman cars. Her face was strikinglj^ 
handsome, the young gentleman observed to him- 
self, as he noted the calm gray e^^es, whose lids 
were fringed with light silken lashes; the short 
but regular little nose, the small, delicate mouth 
with well-curved lips, red and tender-looking; the 
finely formed chin and fair cheeks with a decided 
fiush in the center of each, like the bloom of the car- 
nation rose petal. There was not much in the ex- 
pression of the face as a whole to suggest forward- 
ness or unfeminine independence ; rather the 
contrary. Had he Hot been himself the object of 
her almost rude scrutin^^ for half a minute or so, 
he never would have believed the owner of such a 
face capable of so much calm assurance as she had 
displayed. At the end of his own rather imperti- 
nent staring he exclaimed involuntarily : 

By Jove ! very pretty ! ’’ 

Her head turned at once. There was an amused 
sparkle in her gray eyes as the}^ met the young 
gentleman’s. He felt himself reddening up, and 
flustered at the very idea that he was reddening 
up, as well as because he had made his exclamation 
so loud as to be audible to the young lady herself. 
Then, to get out of the thing somehow, he stam- 
mered : 

Beg pardon, miss, but did you speak ? ” 

^^Oh !” 

He turned away, muttering under his breath : 


8 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


What a fool she must consider me to shout 
out like that.’^ 

He held up the novel and tried to read once 
more;, but the print seemed all blurred and con- 
fused. 

At last the train started off. The young' man 
contimfSi to hold the book before him, and looked 
over page after page without absorbing any idea 
of the contents. Was this young man of a particu- 
larly susceptible nature? He did not believe so 
himself, and yet the young lady’s face haunted him 
— her amused smile somehow provoked him — and 
he could not read understandingly. 

^'Vernon — Miss Vernon — where have I heard 
that name before? A very pretty name and a 
very pretty girl,” he was saying to himself all the 
while. 

The young lady coughed two or three times. 
He did not turn his head, however, until he became 
aware she was wrestling with the car window. He 
was on his feet in a moment then and stammering : 

Ah ! — allow me, if yon please.” 

Oar windows are notoriously stubborn, espe- 
cially in the case of gallant young men rushing to 
the relief of beauty in distress. This particular 
window was simply Abominable. It wouldn’t 
budge, as the young jnan leaned over the young 
lady in his muscular efforts to dislodge it. 

Confound it ! what wretched windows they 
have on these cars!” he exclaimed, brilliantly. 

They are always too tight, or too loose, or too — 
too ” 

Too something or other,” broke in the young- 
lady, with a merry laugh. '-Excuse my levity. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


9 


but I can’t help laughing. Don’t trouble any more 
about it. It’s of no consequence.” 

But the gallant young man was stubborn as well 
as the window. He was determined it should 
yield, and made such a mighty effort that it sud- 
denl}^ went up with a bang and a jerk that threw 
him off his equilibrium and caused him to stumble 
over the merry maiden, who broke into another 
musical peal. 

It’s too bad,” she murmured, helping him to 
get up again. 

Too confoundedly awkward, you mean. Par- 
don me, and accept my thanks,” returned the 
young man, as he backed into his own compart- 
ment and sat down with a very red face. 

The incident broke whatever conversational ice 
might have existed before. The tongues of both 
3^oung people w^ere quite active after the window 
episode, and as there were no other passengers, 
the two became well acquainted and almost cordial 
toward each other in a very short time. 

I hate traveling alone. It’s so dull when 
there’s nobody to talk with ; don’t you think so ? ” 
remarked the young lady. Time passes so much 
more quickly in conversation.” 

^^Tes, indeed. I always provide myself with 
books. Would you care to look over some of mine ?” 
said the young man. 

^‘Ho, thank you. I prefer conversational brill- 
iancy to books — that is, on the trains. One’s eyes 
are apt to be injured reading in the cars.” 

The young man felt flattered by this remark. 

Do you travel much ? ” he asked. 

Yes, indeed. I’m always on the road.” 


10 


BLACK PKIDAY. 


Extraordinary occupation for a young lady. 
What could she he doing always on the road/’ 
he asked himself. 

Don’t you find it tiresome ? ” he inquired. 

Well, no — not often. One sees so much, en- 
counters so many persons, such a variety of faces, 
sometimes such queer people, too. And then some- 
times one stumbles on a real nice new friend,” was 
the reply. 

I wonder under which head I am classified ! 
Am I one of the ^queers’ or the ^real nice’s’ ?” 
thought the gallant. 

Going to New York ? ” asked the young lad3^ 

Yes, miss. I beg pardon, but suppose we 
introduce ourselves. I am Mr. Geoffrey Smith, 
and you are Miss ” 

Sophie Vernon,” promptly answered the young 
lad3% partl^^ rising and making a little curtsey with 
mock ceremony. ‘^Ndw we are formally intro- 
duced, Mr. Chance has presented me to your high- 
ness.” 

And Mr. Good Luck has done me the same 
service, Miss Vernon. I like your name very much 
and it seems to me I have heard it before.” 

^Wery likely. All the world knows it,” was 
the placid reply. 

All the world ! who can she be ? How coolly 
she makes the statement, thought Smith, who 
murmured Ah ! indeed ! ” and asked : 

^^Are you going to New York, too ? ” 

Very muchly,” was the response. 

Miss Vernon’s manner of speech jarred on him, 
and he marveled at her free-and-easy mode of con- 
versing with himself, a mere stranger. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


11 


But she’s awfully pretty/"^ said he to himself. 

Is Kew York your home, Mr. Geoffers? ' * 
asked Miss Vernon. 

Mr. Geoffrey Smith is my naine,’^ answered 
Smith, "^not Geoffers.’’ 

course. How stupid to forget so soon ! 
replied the young lady, with a little laugh. 

He thought it really was a little stupid, Smith 
being such an esisy name to remember. 

‘'New York is not my home. I am a Califor- 
nian,’' said Geoffrey. 

Oh ! all the wa3- from California ! Is it pos- 
sible ? ” exclaimed Miss Vernon, with a pretty ges- 
ture of astonishment. “And you have come all 
the way in the cars ? ” 

“ Well, I haven’t walked any of the wa}^” said 
Geoff rej^ , 

Miss Vernon broke into one of her merr^^ laughs. 

“You said that real comically,” she observed. 
“You would do first-rate for comed3\” 

She looked at him with a nod of approval. 

“You think so?” interrogated Geoffre^^ who 
was greatly puzzled. “ Why ? ” 

“ Oh, because you can say funn^^ things with 
such an innocent air.” 

“ Really ! ’' 

“Really and trul}^,” Miss Vernon declared, 
again imitating slighth" Geoffrey’s voice. 

The train stopped for lunch, and Geoffrey’' gal- 
lantly offered to escort Miss Vernon to the restau- 
rant. 

“ I don’t care so much to eat as to stretch m^^ 
limbs after sitting so long. Don’t let me interfere 
with yoMY lunch, though,” said Miss Vernon. 


12 


BLACK FKIDAY. 


Geoff re 3 ^ had a sharp appetite, but protested he 
preferred to exercise, too. 

Then suppose you lay in fodder for both, and 
munch it when the car starts. Then weTl lose 
neither exercise nor food,’’ sug-g-ested the amazing* 
young* lady. 

Capital thoug*ht ! ” said Geoffrey, who ordered 
the Pullman porter to "Ca^^ in fodder” of various 
kinds, and then promenaded the station platform 
with Miss Vernon until the sig*nal of ^*A11 
aboard ! ” was shouted. 


CHAPTER IL 

On re-entering the Pullman, Geoffrey took oc- 
casion to ask the conductor aside : 

Who is Miss Vernon ? ” 

The conductor regarded him with a look of 
compassion. 

Don’t you know? Whj^, she’s the actress.” 

Ah! ” murmured Geoffrey, thought so.” 

In point of fact he had not thought so, but he 
wanted the conductor to believe he had. 

The information jarred on him. He had no 
prejudice against actresses, but he would have 
liked the young lady to be something else. He 
had heard that actresses were dangerous and he 
had an inclination to cut Miss Sophie’s acquaint- 
ance then and there. But how could he ? He had 
provided the fodder,” as Miss Sophie had called 
the luncheon, and he was compelled to do the hon- 
ors, nolens volens. He promised himself that 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


13 


after the luncheon he would bury himself once 
more in his books and have as little talk as politely 
possible with Miss Vernon. 

"^Awfully extravag-ant/’ was Miss Vernon’s 
exclamation, when the fodder,” consisting* of 
sundry broiled chickens, dainty sandwiches, cake, 
fruit and wine, was spread out before her on the 
spotless cloth covering* the snug* table arranged by 
the porter. This is more than I bargained for, 
Mr. Smith. How much did it cost ? ” 

Really, Miss Vernon, I don’t know — ” began 
Geoffrey. 

‘^Really, Mr. Smith,” broke in the 3mung lady, 
imitating her companion’s slow speech, ‘‘'you must 
find out. What’s the damage, porter ? ” 

Three dollars, miss,” said the porter. 

^^Ruin and desolation!” exclaimed Miss Ver- 
non, with mock despair. ^‘'Then I owe you one 
dollar and fifty cents, Mr. Smith.” 

She opened her pocketbook and handed the 
amount to Geoffrey, who looked puzzled and mor- 
tified. 

Don’t ask me to take it. I couldn’t, really. 
Miss Vernon. You won’t mind letting me play 
host, will you ? ” pleaded Geoff re3^ 

^^Yes, but I will mind it. It’s not square to 
^ sponge ’ on you, Mr. Smith. Take your change 
and let’s pitch in,” rejoined Miss Vernon. 

Not square,” ‘^sponge on you,” pitch in,” 
repeated Geoffrey to himself, while he looked with 
astonishment at the actress attacking the chicken 
with health}^ appetite. I wish she wasn’t so 
slangey.” 

Aren’t you going to eat anything, your- 


14 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


self?’’ asked the actress, looking up for a mo- 
ment. 

^^Certainh",” said Geoffrey, tackling a wing. 

Take some wine and fill me a glass,” observed 
the young lady, with her mouth full. 

My ! that’s delicious ! you don’t mean to tell 
me that came from that way -side inn,” exclaimed 
Miss Vernon. Why, it’s Pommard, by all the 
Gods!” 

^^No, it’s not from ^the way-side inn,’ as you 
are pleased to call the railroad restaurant. That’s 
a bottle of some wine I brought with me from 
’Frisco,” replied Geoffrey, with difficulty restrain- 
ing a loud laugh. 

Why, you must be a regular swell, Mr. 
Smith. I like good wine. It’s really jolly ^ grub- 
bing ’ in this wa3^ Don’t you think so ? I always 
enjoy these little meals, free and easy like, with a 
jolly companion like ^murself.” 

^Wou find me jolly ? ” demanded Geoffrey. 

Yes, sort of jolly — not loud and nois^^ — but 
genteely joll^L I think you could be as bad as my- 
self, though, if you let yourself out,” answered the 
actress. 

Really ! ” ejaculated Geoffrey. 

Why do you say * really ’ all the time, like an 
Englishman? But, perhaps, you are an English 
swell traveling incog,” said Miss Vernon, looking 
up with pretended horror. Don’t tell me you are, 
for I hate Englishmen.” 

Allay your fears. Miss Vernon, and have an- 
other wing ? Some more wine? ” 

Geoffrey poured out another glass, which Miss 


BLACK FKIDAY. 


15 


Vernon swallowed at once, and held her glass for 
more. 

^"No, I’m not English. I’m Irish, and I don’t 
know but I’m a Fenian, to boot. Will that satisfy 
you?” 

Geoffrey was becoming decidedly amused and 
interested. His resolution to cut the actress’s ac- 
quaintance was rapidly evaporating with the 
wine. 

You’re not Irish, I know,” said Miss Vernon, 
after a pause. 

By birth, no, for I am a native of San Fran- 
cisco. But father and mother are both Irish,” re- 
joined Geoffrey. Why do you dislike English- 
men ? ” 

‘^Oh! I don’t know. Prejudice, perhaps, in- 
herited from pa and ma. But change the subject. 
Do yov know I find you a very nice fellow? ” 

Really’-, now^ ! ” exclaimed Geoffrey. 

There you go again with your ^ really.’ Shoot 
it ! Kill it ! And never may I hear it more,” cried 
Miss Vernon, with stage voice and action. 

Geoffrey laughed, and said : 

To oblige yon, I’ll try to reform my speech.” 

Do so, my lord. What beautiful grapes ! ” 
said Miss Vernon. How did the colored gentle- 
man find you such lovely fodder ? ” 

I trained him from ’Frisco. He has brought 
in my lunch every (|ay and has learned my ’weak- 
nesses,” answered Geoffrey. 

^^Then you are a swell. I was quite right,” 
Miss Vernon remarked, with a triumphant look. 

I never had so many pretty things said to me 


16 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


before by a young* observed Geoffrey. 

Don’t spoil me before I g*et to New York.” 

How long are 3"ou going to remain there?” 
demanded Miss Vernon. 

That’s uncertain. I don’t know myself,” was 
the response. 

Where will you hang out ? ” 

^^Eh?” 

Where v/ill you pitch your tent — to what hotel 
are you going ? You know what I mean.” 

‘^1 have not decided on that.” 

^^You would want of course a big hotel?” 
queried Miss Vernon. A private house wouldn’t 
suit a swell like you, I guess.” 

I have no prejudices that way ; why do you 
ask?” 

Because, if you are going to remain in New 
York for some time, I might direct you to a nice, 
home-like place, if 3"ou don’t want display.' 

I don’t.” 

^Wery well, then, I will give you the address 
of a respectable widow. If you can get in there, 
1 think you will be pleased.” 

Do you stop there ? ” demanded Geoffrey. 
^^Not exactly — but close by,” answered the 
actress. 

I think I should like to try it.” 

And it please your lordship, do so.'^ 

By this time Geoffrey had made up his mind 
Miss Sophie Vernon was a verj^ unusual type of 
j^'oung lady even for an actress. In spite of her 
slang and unconventional wa3"S, he was inclined to 
like her and to believe her a proper enough girl. 

She is better than she seems, I’m sure ; and 


BLACK FKIDAY, 


17 


I don’t know but the eccentric airs are put on 
for effect. Acting, perhaps,” thought Geoffrey. 

These theatrical people, I suppose, are always 
playing — more or less. Anyhow, she’s amusing 
and good sport.” 

These thoughts decided him to try the private 
house recommended by his companion, especially 
as he could quit at any time should it prove unde- 
sirable, or should Miss Sophie herself become too 
much of a good thing. For he was taking it for 
granted, somehow, that the actress would be hov- 
ering between her own quarters and the house of 
the respectable widow, when not occupied with her 
theatrical duties. 

He thought of his mother’s warning just before 
parting, and smiled. Odd she should think it 
necessary to speak to me on such a subject. I 
wonder if she thinks me too soft — easily influenced 
hy a pair of pretty eyes and likely to be victimized 
by the first clever adventuress that comes along. 
ISTo, gentle mother, that’s not the kind of material 
your son is made of.” 

Geoffrey felt quite sure on that point. 


18 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


CHAPTER III. 

He felt sorry after all when he reached New 
York — irksome as had^been the long railroad ride 
before the meeting with Miss Vernon. He felt 
sorry, too, that he had notr given her his right name 
instead of the first that occurred to him to assume 
when he wished to oil the wheels of conversation 
by a sort of formal introduction. He felt more than 
sorr;^' — rather mean when they finally parted at the 
Pennsylvania station. He had wished several times 
to confess the petty deceit to the young lady, but 
the fear that she would be angry and cut him re- 
strained him from telling the truth. So, after a 
day or two at the hotel, he hunted up the house 
recommended to him by the actress, and hired of 
the landlad}^ Mrs. Anderson, a whole fioor. The 
house was on West Eleventh street, not far from 
Fifth avenue, and right opposite the small hotel 
where Miss Vernon took up her quarters. 

There was only one other tenant, a jouug Wall 
Street broker, named George Fenton, in the An- 
derson house. With this young gentleman Geoffrey 
soon became intimate. Fenton was four or five 
years his senior, and rather young to be a broker 
of such prominence as he enjo3^ed. Yet he was a 
master of finance and thoroughly versed in all the 
queer ways of Wall Street. Indeed, he was one of 
those prodigies that turn up in ‘^the Street” as 
well as in other walks of life occasionalh\ He was 
not only shrewd and successful as an operator, but 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


19 


a thoroughly respectable young man of fortune, 
warm-hearted, generous and impulsive, in spite of 
the calm intrepidity he displayed in the perilous 
game of speculation. 

George Fenton was decidedly stylish-looking, 
and scrupulously careful of his personal appear- 
ance. He took especial pride in his jet black hair, 
which was abundant and curly. In truth, Fenton’s 
hair was his weakness. So solicitous was he of its 
welfare that he never missed his morning call to 
the barber, who devoted half an hour to twisting 
and turning and greasing delicately each particular 
lock in the way its master desired. 

George Fenton was famous wherever he went 
for not wearing his hat. He loved to move about 
in the street carrying in his right hand his hat and 
in his left an open umbrella, so that the beauty of 
his luxuriant hair and tlie art of. his barber could 
be known and seen and admired of all the world. 
His friends and acquaintances smiled at this extra- 
ordinary weakness in the character of one other- 
wise so level-headed and manly ; but even those 
who did not like him and sneered at the dandy 
broker,” had to acknowledge his shrewdness and 
skill whenever there was any question of business 
transactions. 

Geoffrey was the only son of the famous Cali- 
fornia millionaire, Geoffrey Sims, Sr. — an Irishman 
who had gone to the then new State in the height 
of the great gold fever, and by a rare combination 
of good luck and hard industry had amassed a 
colossal fortune. When his son returned home 
from college, covered with academical honors, Sims, 
Sr., made him a present cf one hundred thousand 


20 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


dollars^ in token of his satisfaction, saying- to him 
at the same time : 

You are young yet, Geff, but I have faith in 
you. This money is 3^our own to dispose of as you 
like. But if you want to please me, you will learn 
to live on the interest — less than that even. It will 
show your fitness for larg:er confidence hereafter. 
Rich men’s sons are g-enerally useless, extravagant, 
vicious. Be a glorious exception, Geff. Prove that 
you are superior to the general run — show, in fact, 
that you are the true son of your old father.” 

Geff had justified the paternal confidence by 
living on one-half the interest of his father’s 
liberal gift, and showed no disposition to fall 
into the fashionable follies and vices of ^^the gen- 
eral run.” 

But all the same he had quarreled with his 
father, and his trip to New York was in a measure 
compulsory. But he had his one hundred thou- 
sand dollars and more snugly deposited in bank in 
New York, and could live most comfortably, if not 
luxuriously, and spare a little for an occasional 
spurt in Wall Street under the guidance of George 
Fenton. His spurts were profitable. Fenton 
would seldom encourage Geoffrey to dabble in 
stocks, and more frequentl}^ declined than accepted 
his friend’s money to speculate. ^^Hold off just 
yet,” was Fenton’s wa^^ of cautioning Geoffrey 
that it was not alwa3^s safe to jump into ^‘the 
Street.” 

After a month’s acquaintance, Geoffrej'^ consid- 
ered George Fenton ^^a perfect brick,” and before 
three months had rolled around the two 3^oung men 
had become bosom friends. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


21 


Meanwhile our Geoffrey had not met Miss Ver- 
non since the day of his arrival in New York. He 
had not seen her even, except before the footlights 
on the stage, and his preconceived notiorhthat she 
would be hovering between Mrs. Anderson’s and 
her own hotel preyed altogether erroneous. She 
had rooms, as alread^^ ‘ stated, in a semi-hotel 
across the street from Mrs. Anderson’s. It was a 
place chiefly patronized by theatrical and artistic 
people — painters, writers, dancers, singers and the 
queer lot who follow in their wake: Just the sort 
of people Geoffrey felt he could never like. Sophie 
Vernon was a celebrity in her way — she must com- 
mand good pay. Why did she select such an 
unsuitable place to live? Geoffrey asked himself 
often. 

Before parting with him at the Pennsylvania 
station, she had given him her address, and he 
had called at her hotel twice since then. But she 
was out both times. And Geoffrey, who had 
rather feared he was to be pursued and haunted 
hy the chaffing young actress, found himself com- 
pletely left alone. And now he was rather in- 
clined to resent this unexpected indifference to his 
existence. Was she putting’ on airs with him? he 
asked himself. If so, he would show her that sort 
of thing would not do with him, a millionaire’s 
son — heir to — Oh ! well, of what consequence any- 
how ? All for the best, no doubt. Let her go. 

How often people S2ij similar things, knowing 
all the while that they don’t mean them ! The fact 
w’as, Geoffrey was longing to see and speak with 
the young actress again, though he hardly knew 
why. Certainly he was not in love. It was only 


22 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


may be, he thought, because she was so jollj^, un- 
conventional and different from all the young 
ladies he had ever before encountered. 

Something over four months after his arrival in 
New York he went out in the morning with his 
friend Fenton, and was walking back to his lodg- 
ings in West Eleventh street, when suddenlj^ he 
saw a form emerge from the actress’s hotel. A 
young lady in a tightly fitting blue gown, holding 
in her hand an exquisite parasol of the same color 
with dainty white lace trimming. That supple form 
and graceful walk he knew so well. Yes, it was 
Miss Sophie Vernon, and she was coming in his 
direction ! Let her go ! Oh, no ! The glow of 
pleasure with which he beheld her again put all 
such thoughts to flight. Resentment vanished be- 
fore the radiant vision of the young lad^L 

What’s up, Geoifre}^ ? ” demanded Fenton, on 
noticing his friend’s unwonted excitement. 

Geoffrey did not answer, for Miss Vernon was 
looking sti-aight at him only a few yards off. 
He raised his hat, but Miss Vernon onty half re. 
turned the salute, seeming not to recognize him. 
Her hesitation was only for a second, however, 
when she returned his salute fully, with a de- 
cided appearance of real pleasure. 

'"Oh! it is you, is it, Mr. Smith? I’m really 
pleased to see you.” 

Geoffrey turned and walked at her side. 

""Yes, I’m really pleased to see you,” she re- 
peated. 

"" I called twice at your hotel — ” began 
Geoffrey. 

"" Oh, yes, I know ; and no doubt you have, 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


23 


but 'you have put me down in your black list as 
rude, and so forth/’ quickly observed Miss Ver- 
non, smiling* at him quizzically, as she bestowed 
on him a side upward g*lance of inquiry. 

Not at all,” responded Geoffrey, with well- 
assumed sincerity. They told me you were very 
busy and ” 

You did not resolve to cut me ? Very nice of 
you,” said the actress, bantering*ly. Then, in a 
serious tone, she added : You know actresses 

are very busy people during** the season ; but in 
three days more it will be over and I will be free 
ag*ain. Then you may ” 

Then I may call, I suppose, without encoun- 
tering* your chilling dragon ? ” said Geoffrey. 

The actress laughed merrily, in the rich, musical 
tones so well known on the stage. 

^^Yes, then you can come on, Macduff. The 
dragon won’t devour you now. But don’t let me 
take you from your friend. Besides, I’m in a 
hurry; so good-by. Au revoir. Ta-ta, Mr. Smith.” 

She waved her parasol coquettishly in token of 
adieu, and was about to depart, when she asked : 

By the way, how do you like Anderson’s? 
Jolly, isn’t it ? ” 

Splendid,” answered Geoffrey. 

I thought you might, but I’m glad my recom- 
mendation was not disappointing. Good-by, again, 
Mr. Smith.” 

She moved off and soon disappeared around the 
corner. 

Who’s your pretty friend, Geoffrey ? ” asked 
Fenton. 

Miss Vernon,” was the answer. 


24 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


What ! Sophie Vernon, the actress ? ’’ 

Yes; why?” 

Oh ! nothing. How did you come to meet 
her? Never supposed you had tastes that way.” 

How do 3^ou mean ^ that way ’ ? ” demanded 
Geoffrey, a little nettled. 

"" I mean I did not suppose you were a lady’s 
man — that you cared for female society".” 

And why not ? ” 

Geoffrey half suspected Fenton was quizzing 
him, but he added : 

I met the young lady on the train from Cali- 
fornia. She got on at Chicago.” 

^^And you had her delightful society all the 
way to New York ? ” 

^^Yes, certainl^L” 

Seen much of her since ? ” 

Not once since we parted at the station, ex- 
cept on the stage, until to-day.” 

Ah ! ” exclaimed Fenton, as if struck with an 

idea. 

And, by the waj^, I fancied she called 3’ou by a 
strange name.” 

Geoffrey colored slightl3^ 

^^Yes, George, I’m ashamed to confess I did 
practice a little deception, which I greatly regret.” 

She knows you as Mr. Smith ? ” 

^^Yes.” 

That’s awkward. She’ll be sure to find out.” 

Do you think so ? ” 

Certainly, if yon renew your intimacy,” an- 
swered Fenton, lightly. ""But I presume you 
won’t. She’s certainly uncommonly pretty and a 
clever actress, too. I have enjoyed her performance 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


25 


often. By the way, this is her benefit night. 
Suppose we go ? ” 

All right/^ responded GeoffrejL 
Yes, she’s decidedlj^ pretty,” said Fenton, in 
an absent way. Actresses generally are — on the 
stage. But this one is fascinating on and off, evi- 
dentl3\ Is she good company ? They tell me act- 
resses are amusing off the stage. I have never met 
one myself, and somehow I don’t think I should 
care much for that sort of cattle.” 

Thej^ had reached their house and entered. 
Cattle!” 

Geoffrey thought the expression somehow insult- 
ing. Miss Vernon a cow, for example,” said he, 
when in his own room alone. I wonder what she 
would say if she heard George classify her under 
the head of ^cattle’? Well, never mind.” 


CHAPTER IV. 

What did Geoffrey mean by ^Hhe dragon”? 
The friend, chaperon and most intimate associate 
of the young actress — a middle-aged woman, named 
Sands, whom he encountered on the two occasions 
he had called at Miss Vernon’s hotel. His recep- 
tion by Mrs. Sands was so indifferent, even chilling, 
that he had jumped to the conclusion she must be 
some near relative acting in the capacity of chap- 
eron, whose duty it was to warn off or freeze off all 
callers likely to interrupt Miss Sophie during her 
theatrical season. Hence he had dubbed her ^"the 


26 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


drag’on’’ — an ugly old dragon, too, he vowed, since 
she was so discourteous and snappish. 

The fact was, Mrs. Sands was a very good-nat- 
ured and very useful companion to the motherless 
and fatherless actress. She was herself an actress, 
but understood the histrionic art better than she 
could execute. For that reason she was capable of 
imparting very valuable hints to her more talented 
young friend, Sophie. At the same time she was a 
protection, for though quite unconventional and 
free in her manners, she was, on the whole, right- 
minded and careful in guarding' Sophie from the 
pitfalls alwa^^s open for young and pretty actresses. 

Sophie looked up to her in many ways, and was 
glad to have somebod^^ like the governor,’’ as 
she called Mrs. Sands, to lean upon. The ^^governor” 
was by no means uglj^ or snappish, but a very 
warm-hearted, respectable and fairly good-looking 
woman, who had seen better days and had been 
perhaps handsome when younger. She was devoted 
to Sophie, sharing her likes and dislikes, and Geof- 
frey found her very amiable and courteous to him. 

When at last ^Hhe season” was over, and 
Sophie was free from her theatrical cares, he 
often went ^"^over the way” with George Fenton, 
but more often still went alone, to spend a few 
hours with Sophie and her friend, and he enjo^-ed 
the visits. It was a novel experience for him, this 
every-day life of a pretty actress, and he saw ver\^ 
much to interest him, deeply. There was nothing 
sentimental or spooney, however, about the inti- 
macy that soon sprang up. He liked her — yes, 
amazingly, but not as a lover. If he had had any 
such feeling after the accidental encounter in the 


BL.ACK FRIDAY. 


27 


Pullman, and the subsequent months of waiting*, 
he was soon cured ; for he could see her every day 
without acceleration of pulse or the slightest ap- 
proach to sentiment. 

It was a strictly platonic attachment on his 
part. He felt it was a sort of privilege — and per- 
haps his vanity was soothed — to be the intimate 
friend of the great favorite. But love, or matri- 
mony ! Pshaw ! such a thought was absurd. 
Sophie and he were not suited to each other — not 
in the least — and there was not the least bit of 
danger in their intimacy ! 

He got into the habit of spending part of each 
day with her — often dining or supping with her and 
Mrs. Sands — and not infrequently accompanying 
them in little rural excursions. It was not strange 
that after awhile he began to feel a sort of proprie- 
torship in the young lady, and advised her like a 
brother, or old friend of years’ standing. Sophie 
was free and unconventional in a way he could not 
approve sometimes — for the high standard of his 
mother was alwa3^s before him — and he could not 
help criticising frequently Sophie’s eccentric frank- 
ness. He liked the governor,” too, very much, 
but thought her not always the best kind of a 
model, and adviser for the actress. 

When a young gentleman and a young lady are 
seen ver^^ much together day after day, week after 
week, everywhere, in city and country, people are 
apt to talk. The gossips construe it in one of two 
w^,ys : Either matrimony is ahead, or — well, the 
3"oung lady ought to be more careful, that’s all. 

Geoffrey never dreamt of possible complications 
— of the dubious opinions that might be formed — 


28 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


nor of the injury his intimacy might cause to the 
actresses reputation. As for Sophie, tarn poco, as 
the Spaniards say. Perhaps Geoffrey was quite 
excusable, for it was a long time before anybody 
hinted the idea of danger to either one or the 
other. He never thought of the possibility of 
Sophie becoming seriously attached to him, for 
almost at the very inception of their intimacy she 
had declared herself out of the list of marriageable 
young ladies. 

Mrs. Sands had said to Sophie one day in his 
presence : 

don’t think you could ever manage without 
me at 3^our elbow, Sophie — even if you were mar- 
ried.” 

Perhaps not, ^ governor.’ But make your mind 
easy — I never intend to marry,” was Sophie’s quick 
response. 

Stuff! You’ll be married before another 
year,” exclaimed the governor.” 

^^Not much ! no husband for me, ^governor.’ 
I prefer the stage. Love-making before the foot- 
lights is quite enough,” Miss Vernon declared. 

Stuff ! stuff ! ” again exclaimed Mrs. Sands. 

^ Stuff ’ as much as you like, ^ governor.’ It’s 
fact all the same,” rejoined Miss Vernon. 

You really prefer your art ? ” asked Geoffrey, 
joining in. 

Certainly,” was the prompt answer. 

^^No matter who might propose?” persisted 
Geoffrey. 

The man is not born who could woo me from 
the stage,” said Miss Vernon, with comic earnest- 
ness. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


29 


Mrs. Sands smiled incredulously. 

‘^Aday comes to every girl/’ Mrs. Sands ut- 
tered oracularly, ^^when she is all heart. Yours 
will come, too, my young lady, and I hope it will 
be for your good. I think I already see signs of its 
approach.” 

Sophie laughed in derision, while she colored 
visibly, for she could not misunderstand her ^^gov- 
ernor’s ” meaning. Mrs. Sands had made no secret 
of her opinion from the very beginning — in her pri- 
vate communings with Sophie — that Mr. Geoffrey 
Smith meant business” and would in due time 
formally propose. 

He is one of your slow-pokes, but if he is slow 
at least he’s sure,” the chaperon had said. 


CHAPTER V. 

In illo tempore a famous actor and playwright 
named John Bolton dwelt with his wife in a snug 
little house on Irving place. He was a universal 
favorite — thanks to his wit and sterling good quali- 
ties — and his wife was scarcely less esteemed on 
her own account. Their little house was the resort 
of the brightest spirits of the day — especially on 
the actor’s off da}^ ” — Sunday. For the after- 
noons of that day it was the habit of ‘^genial 
John ” to invite a few choice friends to take ^^pot 
luck ” with him, and the pot luck ” generally 
extended into the evening when other friends than 
the favored few would drop in one after the other 
until the little parlor and dining-room became 


30 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


crowded. Then mine host would put up outside 
the pahlor door a flaring notice of standing room 
only/’ sure sign to all comers not that no more 
w^ere ^velcome, but that the fun and merriment 
Avere at their height. 

Geoffrey Sims became acquainted with the Bol- 
tons through Miss Vernon, and occasionally^ accom- 
panied the young actress and the governor ” to 
the Sunday evenings.” He enjoyed the visits 
immensely — they were so different from what he 
saw anyAvhere else. The genuine unceremonious 
hospitality delighted him, and the flashes of wit, 
the rollicking anecdotes and recitations, the music 
and merriment he encountered made him feel 
brighter and happier. It was not only actors and 
actresses he met, but artists, journalists, authors, 
lawyers and sometimes even liberal-minded clergy- 
men, whose creed did not include gloomy, dismal 
Sabbaths in the Divine precepts. 

Geoffrey found himself in high favor with the 
Boltons, Avho soon included him in one of their 
pot lucks” — a mark of the highest esteem. 
The governor had another engagement for that 
day and Geoffrey found himself destined to be the 
sole companion of Sophie to and from the little Irv- 
ing place Mecca. 

The pot-luck dinner party comprised three mem- 
bers of the theatrical profession and three journal- 
ists, besides Geoffrey and Sophie, and host and 
hostess, and never was there a jollier company. 
The young Californian Avould have considered the 
affair without flaw only for the teasing he endured 
from Mrs. Bolton — Avho was an inveterate match- 
maker — on the subject of his attentions to Sophie. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


31 


It had begun to be a sore point with him by this 
time, for he was but too well aware that the gos- 
sips were concerning themselves about his relations 
with the favorite young actress. Over and over 
again he had resolved to make his visits to Sophie 
less frequent, but he found it easier to resolve than 
to act. It was hard to resist the temptation of go- 
ing, for the habit of calling once a day had fastened 
itself on him like a part of his nature. He had 
come to consider himself as a sort of brother to the 
light-hearted young creature, who never concealed 
her pleasure on seeing him, talked to him with the 
utmost freedom, consulted him on every subject 
and relied upon him in a way as guide, counselor, 
friend and escort. It was exasperating that the 
world would not leave them to the innocent enjoy- 
ment of their charming intercourse — that the busy- 
bodies must insist upon marrying them, though 
neither, he believed, had a thought of such a thing, 
and only asked to be let alone. 

I do wish people would mind their own busi- 
ness,’’ Geoffrey would exclaim at times. Sophie 
has declared to nearly everybody that she is not in 
the matrimonial lists — that the lucky man don’t 
breathe who could make her change her name. 
Isn’t that enough ? ” 

It really appeared not to be enough, for even 
good, warm-hearted, generous Mrs. Bolton would 
not be convinced. After the dinner, she drew 
Geoffrey to a seat beside her on the sofa and began 
one of her little confidential tete-a-tetes. Geoffrey 
spoke up rather more plainly than was his wont. 

My dear Mrs. Bolton, it’s a huge mistake — 
this talk of anything but pure friendship between 


32 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


Sophie and myself, and I do hope people won’t 
bother the poor g*irl herself. Neither of us thinks 
of marriage. Sophie would have me, I suppose, as 
soon as any man ; but she won’t have ^ny man. I 
understand her perfectl^^ and she, I hope, under- 
stands me.” 

I don’t believe in your platonic business. It’s 
alwa^^s a sham — only a silly shield for flirtation,” 
said Mrs. Bolton. 

But there is no flirtation in our case. I would 
as soon flirt with 3^ourself as Sophie,” retorted 
Geoffrey. 

You may say what you like in that way.. It 
won’t change the world’s opinion. Ever^^bod^^ 
believes you two engaged — or on the brink of en- 
gagement — and I hope it’s the truth. A good 
thing it would be for both of you, too,” replied 
Mrs. Bolton. 

Reall3% I can’t help your opinion, Mrs. Bolton, 
and it seems useless for me to try to prove it erro- 
neous. What can I say ? ” concluded Groffrey in a 
lower tone, as he saw Sophie drawing near. 

It was destined to be a fateful night for him. 
The chat with Mrs. Bolton put him in a sort of bad 
humor with himself and all the world. Walking 
home with Sophie he was unusually silent. Gen- 
erally he was light, airy and buoyant as herself. 
This night he was entirely monosjdlabic, and, Sophie 
thought, a little gruff. It took a good deal to 
dampen such ardor as hers, but after awhile her 
spirits were chilled, and she became as dumb as 
himself. 

Arrived at the entrance of the little theatrical 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


33 


hotel, Geoffrey opened the door to admit her, with- 
out attempting to follow. 

Aren’t you coming in to say good-night to 
the ^ governor ’ ? ” she asked. 

Not to night,” was the curt answer. 

""Oh! very well,” replied Sophie, in a subdued 
tone ; "" good-night, then.” 

The door closed quickly and she was gone. 

In a moment he felt he had done wrong — that 
unintentionally he had pained the young lady — 
perhaps grievously offended her. He stood irreso- 
lutely uncertain whether to follow at once and 
apologize, or go home. Slowly he retreated, crossed 
the street to his own door and entered, expecting 
to find Fenton waiting for him. But Fenton was 
not there — nobody seemed to be astir, and the 
silence of the house oppressed him. He felt mean 
and self-reproachful; disgusted at the idea that 
the chatter of outsiders could so affect him as to 
make him forgetful of what he owed to Sophie. It 
was a new experience to him, and after enduring it 
ten minutes he went out again, crossed to the little 
hotel, mounted the stairs and knocked timidl}^ at 
the door of Miss Sophie’s sitting-room. There was 
no answer, though he heard a noise within that 
made him anxious. He knocked again without 
answer, and then, opening the door, entered. He 
started on seeing Sophie in Mrs. Sands’s arms 
weeping and sobbing. 

"" Why, Sophie ! Miss Vernon ! what is the mat- 
ter?” exclaimed the young man, advancing to- 
ward her. "" Is anything wrong ? ” 

""You ought to be able to answer best,” said 
Mrs. Sands, sharpl3^ ""She came direct from you 


34 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


agitated and excited as she is now. What did you 
do to cause her so much distress ? ” 

Can it be possible^ Sophie, I am in any way 
the cause of this ? ” asked Geoffrey, very penitently. 

Forgive me if I am.’^ 

He sat down at her side and took a hot, unre- 
sisting hand. Her sobs redoubled, and he felt so 
much disturbed that he could not keep out of his 
voice a little tender quaver, as he said : 

Don’t go on that way, Sophie; I can’t bear it.’’ 

The girl suddenly stood up and confronted him. 
think jmu were very cross and not — not — not 
over polite to me just now — I do — and — ” said 
Sophie in broken tones, hesitating. 

‘^And what, my dear little friend?” asked 
Geoffrey. 

Well, you spoke cross and harsh and — ” 

‘^1 would rather lose my tongue than do that, 
Sophie,” protested Geoffrey. ^^It’s a mistake.” 

Then you did not mean anything' — you were 
not angr}^ ? ” queried Sophie. 

Certainly not. But I must have been absent, 
minded. I know I was, and probably unintention- 
ally rude. Won’t you forgive me an^^how ? You 
must know how cut up I feel,” entreated Geoffrey. 

I do forgive,” replied Sophie, smiling through 
her tears. There — let it all go.” 

She extended her hand impulsively and Geoffrey 
seized it. 

"^Pardon me, too, for being so foolish as to 
make such a time about a trifle. There, excuse me 
for a few moments,” she added, and quitted the 
room. 

You see how it is no 2 v/’ said Mrs. Sands, in a 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


35 


low tone. The girl loves you. I foresaw it. I 
knew it would come to something like this.” 

Loves me ? ” echoed Geoffrey. Do you think 
it possible, Mrs. Sands ? Do you. forget her declara- 
tion that she would never marry ? ” 

Onl}^ girls’ wild talk. They all say that, and 
end by loving some man or other desperately,” re- 
plied Mrs.. Sands, confidently. 

Sophie glided into the room again at this point, 
with smiling countenance and all traces of the tell- 
tale tears washed away. The serious looks of 
Geoffrey and the ^‘governor” were observed at 
once by the young lady, who said : 

Pshaw! I have made everybody uncom- 
fortable I Let us forget all about the ugly busi- 
ness. ^Governor,’ won’t you do the honors ? Won’t 
you get some of the best, and let us drink and be 
friends ? ” 

Mrs. Sands was about to pour out some wine 
from an opened bottle of champagne, which 
Geoffrey now for the first time observed on the lit- 
tle bijou table. 

^^No, no; not that. Get the best,” cried 
Sophie. 

Mrs. Sands went to the inner room, and 
Sophie took advantage of her absence to say, 
with a little tremor still in her voice : 

^^You must think me a precious baby, Geof- 
frey, to go on so.” 

Not at all,” answered Geoffrey, very gently. 

I am onh^ surprised at my own selfish blind- 
ness, and at the fact that my supposed rudeness 
could have — ” he hesitated to finish the sen- 
tence. 


36 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


Could have such a tearful effect/’ added So- 
phie, with forced calmness. Well, I am surprised 
myself; but let us change the subject.” 

The color deepened, and Geoffrey noticed an 
evidence of unusual excitement in her eyes. 

The governor” presented well-filled goblets 
of the sparkling wine to Geoffre^^ and Sophie. The 
young man barely tasted it. Sophie quaffed hers at 
once, and the excitement in her eyes became more 
pronounced. Geoffrey attributed it to the com- 
bined effect of the mental distress and the wine, 
and felt charitably disposed. To him, at that mo- 
ment, anything was preferable to her tears. There- 
fore he saw her swallow another goblet without 
uneasiness, though he noted the reckless brilliance 
of her beautiful eyes and the unaccustomed free- 
dom in her speech that followed. 

To gratif3" her, he had sipped a little both times, 
but he objected strenuously to the opening of an- 
other bottle. 

You are a savage old despot,” cried Sophie, 
guilefully. It’s the same with all \"ou men.” 

don’t think I am very much disposed to be 
tyrannical, Sophie ; it is only that we have all had 
enough, and ” 

‘^You’re afraid I might take too much. Isn’t 
that it, Geoffre^^? Well, perhaps you’re right. 
But let us have one more glass — just one,” pleaded 
Sophie. 

No, really, my dear girl,” answered Geoffrey, 
gently. 

Your dear girl ! Am I ^mur dear girl, truly ? 
Do you really like me, or am I a nuisance to you ? ” 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


37 


do like you, of course, very much, Sophie,’^ 
replied Geoffrey, cautiously. 

Don’t say it in that way,” said Sophie, look- 
ing* at him with unmistakable tenderness. Say I 
like 3^ou — I love you.” 

like you — I love 3^ou,” repeated Geoffrey^in 
her own impassioned tone. Then suddenly re- 
membering himself and looking' at his watch he 
jumped up. 

Good gracious, Sophie, it is very late. I must 
be off and let ^mu go to bed.” 

Sophie rose also, very unsteadily, and offered 
both her hands. She swayed for a moment and 
then fell forward in his arms. The suddenness of 
the collision threw him off his balance. 

Mrs. Sands, come, help me ! ” called out Geof- 
frej^, as soon as he recovered presence of mind. 

Sophie has fainted.” 

But Mrs. Sands made no answer. His eyes 
wandered about the room. The ^'governor” had 
disappeared, and he was left alone with the fair 
burden in his arms ! 

The wine was in, the wit was out. There was 
no doubt about it. Sophie Vernon, who had said 
to Geoffrey the very first time of their meeting, 
like wine,” was now overcome by the copious 
goblets of champagne. 


38 


BLACK FKIDAY. 


CHAPTER VI. 

About this same time Geoffrey had other causes 
of anxiet3^ For more than a week he had been 
receiving- doleful letters from his mother concerning 
the condition of his father’s health, and the very 
next morning after his strange experience with 
Sophie, while his mind was racked by alarming 
anticipations as to the possible consequences, a 
dispatch from San Francisco, in care of his bank- 
er’s, informed him that a change for the worse had 
occurred and bidding him be ready to start for 
California at any moment. 

Then there was George Fenton, who for some 
time had been acting very strangely, leaving the 
house early in the morning and not returning until 
long after Geoffrey usually retired. George omitted 
his usual calls on Geoffrey before going to bed, and 
in every way seemed to shun the pleasant little 
chats, smokes and exchanges of confidence to which 
the young Californian had grown accustomed. 
What could be the matter with him ? 

To be suddenly deprived of the cheerful com- 
panionship just at a time when he needed advice 
and sj^mpathy, he felt to be a sort of calamity. 

But there seemed to be no help for it. Fenton, 
for some reason, did not wish to continue the old 
familiarity, and he could not force himself upon his 
friend’s society under such circumstances. 

He could think of no cause for Fenton’s evident 
avoidance of him. George had often joined him in 



BLACK FRIDAY. 




39 


his visits to the Vernon apartments, and he was 
rather inclined to think that the broker found great 
pleasure in those unceremonious calls upon the young 
actress. Nay, he had even suspected that George's 
feelings were a little stronger than his own toward 
Sophie. But all at once Fenton ceased his visits 
and pretended to be devoting himself more entirely 
to business. Could that be the real reason? He 
was quite aware that Fenton was in demand socially 
— that he was a welcome guest to many firesides, 
and that in the case of one very charming young 
lady of fashion he was regarded with something 
more than ordinary friendship. But George had 
always appeared to Geoffrey indifferent to the at- 
tention of young ladies, and only a little less demon- 
stratively so in the case of this one in particular. 
Still, Geoffrey thought it possible there was more 
in the relations of Miss Ada Remsford and George 
Fenton than appeared on the surface. Perhaps 
the young lady had heard of Fenton’s visits to the 
actress and had objected. Perhaps she had even 
blamed him — Geoffrey — for bringing together 
George and Sophie, and that was the reason of the 
changed manner of Fenton toward himself. 

Geoffrey tried to concentrate his mind to a solu- 
tion of the point, but Sophie’s scene Avith him the 
night before kept obtruding itself on his memor}^ 

Sophie Vernon intoxicated ! Sophie in love 
with him ! Mrs. Sands evidently bent upon mak- 
ing a match between them, too ! 

How Avell he remembered now the remark 
Sophie had made on the occasion of his meeting 
with her in the Pullman car : 

I like wine, Mr. Smith.” 


40 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


Yes, it was but too evident she liked it, and 
not for her g-ood. 

Sophie, Fenton and his father's serious illness 
all at the same time ! And how bitterly he re- 
gretted having quarreled with his. father ! 

But that was through no fault of his own. 
Thank God for that ! 

It was that woman’s fault — that accursed 
French woman who had wormed herself into his 
father’s confidence and affection. 

But as to Sophie, he had nothing but his own 
stupidity, blindness and obstinacy to thank for 
the trouble looming up in that quarter. 

Marry her ! How could he ever do so ? What 
would his mother think of it, and his father, and 
—and — Kate ? Yes, now he thought of Kate 
Fisher, whom he had not seen for so long a time. 
Geoffrey Sims married to an actress ! 

And yet, wh^^ not ? He had stolen into the 
young girl’s affections — robbed her of her peace 
of mind by his blind, persistent attentions, and 
how conld he throw her off now ? Would it be 
just? Would it be honorable? Would it not be 
cruel to do so ? ” 

But a wife who loved liquor ! The thought 
completely overwhelmed him. 

Perhaps he could cure her ! 

I will try, at least — I will make a great effort. 
She must promise me to give up wine forever.” 
Geoffrey resolved, as he started for the actress’s 
hotel toward noon. 

The governor ” greeted him rather more effu- 
sively than usual, and in answer to his inquirj^ about 
Sophie, said : 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


d 

All right, Mr. Smith — at least she’ll be all 
right in a short time. All she needs is to sleep it 
off.” 

Sleep it off ! The expression staggered Geoffrey. 
The way Mrs. Sands used it implied that it was not 
the first time the sleeping-off remedy had been em- 
plo 3 ’^ed. Can it be possible Sophie takes too much 
wine often ? ”' he said to himself. 

Mrs. Sands must have noticed some indication 
in Geoffrey’s face of the pain and horror which he 
was suffering, for she added, quickly : 

You must make some allowance for her. You 
know the excitement she was under last night, and 
the cause of it. She is very sensitive on some points, 
and you must have hurt her very badly, indeed, to 
have upset her so completely. I never saw her 
before so thoroughly used up.” 

^^She is asleep, then?” asked Geoffrey, in an 
absent wajL 

1 have just given her something* to throw her 
into an easy sleep,” replied Mrs. Sands. ^^She 
got up a short time ago with a bad headache, 
but I made her lie down again just before you 
came in.” 

Geoffrey stood up as if about to leave. 

•'Don’t go yet,” said Mrs. Sands, " for I want 
to speak with you. We may not have such another 
good chance soon again.” 

He sat down and waited. 

"I am at your service, as a matter of course,” 
said he. " What is it you have to say ? ” 

"Sophie has only me to depend on, you know, 
Mr. Smith, and after what I said to you last night, 
and especially considering what occurred later on. 


42 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


I think it is only right to — to — to — Oh ! dear me, I 
don’t know how to express what I want to say, but 
you must anticipate it, surely, Mr. Smith ? ” 

Mrs. Sands cast an appealing look toward Geof- 
frey, who had grown very grave and serious, but 
answered with apparent indilTerence : 

Indeed I do not anticipate it, Mrs. Sands. I 
would thank you to be more explicit.” 

^^Well, then, to come to the point at once, it 
appears to me you two are behaving like a pair of 
babies. You are both in love and don’t seem to 
realize it. I have known the state of Sophie’s 
heart for sometime, and wondered if you, too, did 
not more than suspect the truth. Do you see ? ” 
Geoffrey remained silent. 

Have you nothing to say ? ” asked Mrs. Sands, 
looking at Geoffrey with wonder. You know, after 
what happened last night, things cannot go on as 
formerly without a clear understanding. Sophie 
betrayed the state of her heart, and you certain!}^ 
displayed great feeling. I went out of the room 
for a few moments, leaving you both talking over 
some wine, and you know that on my return I 
found Sophie in your arms ! ” 

Geoffrej’' had not suspected this interpretation 
of the scene, and he was so startled that he could 
not find words to repel it. Then in another mo- 
ment, when he was calmer, he would not offer any 
explanation; he saw that whatever he might say 
would seem evasive — not sincere. Mrs. Sands 
watched him closely and waited for some expres- 
sion on his part. He merely bowed his head and 
said : 

^^Go on, Mrs. Sands.” 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


43 


There is not much more to be said by me. It 
is for you to speak^ Mr. Smith. If you want my 
opinion, I will g*ive it.’’ 

Geoffrey bowed again. 

Then I would sa3^, that you should marry So- 
phie. There has been too much gossip about you 
and her alread}^, and if the scene of last night had 
never occhrred, some change would have been 
necessary. You would have had to propose, or 
cease your constant visiting. You know even act- 
resses are not exempt from the laws that govern 
the relations of young gentlemen and young ladies..” 

Whatever Geoffrey might have contemplated 
saying in reply to the ‘^governor’s” serious com- 
ments was prevented by the sudden apparition of 
Sophie herself, standing on the threshold of her 
bedroom. 

She was ^arra^^ed in a loose morning gown and 
looked pale and grave — quite a different being from 
the light, airy, thoughtless Sophie to whom he . 
had been so long accustomed. Geoffrey stood up 
at once and hurried forward to greet her. 

I overheard your voices in my room,” observed 
Sophie, and I could not wait to change my gown 
or make any toilet. I knew you would not mind, 
Geoffrey,” said the young actress. 

Certainly not,” answered Geoffrey, who 
thought he had never seen her look so beautiful 
as at that moment. 

'^I was in a hurry to apologize for my con- 
duct last night. What must you have thought ? ” 
asked Sophie. '"Tell me you forgive me, Geof- 
frey.” 


44 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


have nothing- to forg*ive, Sophie. It is your- 
self you must consider, and ” 

Oh ! don’t sermonize me, anyhow,” said 
Sophie, wearily. It was all wrong* — beastl^^ 
wrong- — no, I won’t say that, for I know you don’t 
like such common expressions. It was wrong and 
I am very sorry. There, will that do ? ” 

Yes, Sophie, I am glad to hear you say it. I 
came to scold you, like a brother, but your own 
confession renders it superfluous. You will resolve 
now, won’t you, Sophie, to give up wine drinking 
altogether? It is not good for you, and the only 
way is never to touch it,” answered Geoffrey. 

Then yon think it was very bad, perhaps dis- 
graceful, the way I acted last night,” demanded 
Sophie. 

The best way is to say no more about it, 
Sophie, but to profit hy the experience. We are 
all apt to go wrong some time or other,” Geoffrey 
said, very gently, for the subdued, penitent manner 
of the girl touched him deepl}^ 

Mrs. Sands had slipped away during this dia- 
logue. 

Sophie had thrown herself on a sofa opposite 
where Geoffrey was sitting, hat and cane in hand, 
and she now appeared lost in thought, both hands 
clasping her head. Neither spoke for a few mo- 
ments. Each had serious cause for reflection. 
Geoffrey, with the words of Mrs. Sands ringing in 
his ears, and with Sophie before him in that down- 
cast, wearied, penitent mood, felt that the moment 
had arrived which was to decide his fate as well as 
hers. He could not doubt that the girl loved him ; 
she had betrayed it but too plainly the night before ; 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


45 


and though his own feelings towai Sophie were 
very warm and affectionate, he was quite sure they 
were not of that deep, enduring nature a wife should 
expect from a husband. Still, he believed he was 
to blame. He should not have paid such marked 
attention to Miss Vernon, nor have exposed her to 
invidious comments by being seen so constantly in 
her company — at her hotel, in her Avalks, her rides, 
everywhere. He had been strangely blind to the 
possible complications such attentions might lead 
to. 

Yes, there Avas only one course open to him — 
one way Avhich would be honorable for himself as 
well as just to Sophie. He must offer to marry 
her. 

Sophie, do you think you would ever care to 
leave the stage ? ’’ asked Geoffrey, suddenly. 

Apparently she did not hear the question, for 
she remained silent, lost in thought. 

^^Does your headache still, Sophie?’’ asked 
Geoffrey, approaching and taking her hand, which 
he found hot and feverish. 

He raised her head, and then he noticed her 
tearful eyes. 

What is the matter, Sophie ? Come, you 
shall tell me.” 

I don’t know. Everything seems changed to 
me to-day. Perhaps I am going to be ill,” said 
Sophie, wearihL don’t much care.” 

Don’t speak that way, my dear girl. I don’t 
like to hear it. Forget last night and cheer up. 
Let me see you smile in your old, happy AA^ay. 
That’s it,” said Geoffrey, ^^but banish those 
tears, too.” 


46 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


With his own handkerchief, Geoffrey dried the 
young- girhs eyes, and then continued : 

Once you said that nothing would ever induce 
you to quit the stage. But 3^ou did not mean it 
literally, did you? At least, I don’t believe you 
did, for I’m going to ask you to give up theaters 
and acting and to become my wife. Do 3^ou think 
you could love me enough to make such a sacrifice, 
Sophie ? ” 

Sacrifice ! ” repeated Sophie, sacrifice! Geof- 
frey, be quite honest with me. Don’t deceive me. 
Answer me truthfully. It is you who would make 
a sacrifice, is it not ? ” 

^^You have known me long enough to under- 
stand me, Sophie. You must realize how neces- 
sary 3^ou have become to me from the way I have 
pursued you since our first accidental meeting. 
IJow, I will be quite frank with you, and admit 
that in asking you to become m^^ wife there might 
be some sacrifices involved, but it is at present 
only a danger, and if you will aid me that danger 
need never become a reality,” replied Geoffrey, 
evasively. 

Explain it, Geoffrey. I do love you and am 
ready to give up acting and everything for your 
sake, if you really desire it,” said Sophie, eagerly. 
^^Now tell me what you mean.” 

should want you to keep our marriage 
secret for awhile, that is all. To have it known 
might injure my prospects — your own future, 
Sophie. I have expectations which I cannot yet 
explain. That is the only condition which I might 
interpose, and even that would be for your own 
sake.” 


47 


i' 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


Oh ! Geoffrey, if that is all — if you really love 
me and would not he ashamed to take a poor act- 
ress as your wife — if ’’ 

But Geoffrey’s hand placed affectionately over 
her lips arrested her, while the other hand and 
arm stole around her waist and drew her toward 
him. 

Let us seal our eng*agement with a kiss, 
Sophie.” 


CHAPTER VII. 

What was bothering George Fenton was the 
wild money market. It was in the month of Sep- 
tember, 1869, and gold was rising while stocks were 
tumbling. The Street seemed to be under a spasm 
of lunacy. Everybody was crazy, and Lucky 
George,” as Fenton was called by his brother 
brokers, was feeling for the first time the unpleas- 
ant sensation of losing. He who had been so cau- 
tious and conservative, who never took great risks, 
who tried to avoid wild speculation, began to find 
himself at sea in all his calculations, and no better 
off than the most harum-scarum and reckless of the 
money gamblers. 

A new thing under the sun had been discovered 
— a trick by which a corner in gold ” was brought 
about. Some big financial magnate, or unscrupu- 
lous clique, with millions to cast into the swirl of 
speculation, was disorganizing everything on the 
Street,” and thousands of blind speculators were 
ing swallo^yed up in the mad panic and disasters 
jnsequer«t. 


48 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


Geoffrey^ however, had heard little about all 
this and understood less as he espied Georg*e Fen- 
ton approaching Mrs. Anderson’s from the direc- 
tion of Fifth avenue. Geoffrey had just parted with 
Sophie after proposing to her, and was longing to 
consult with some true friend, and who better than 
George Fenton could be found ? 

But such a changed appearance as the young 
broker presented — pale, anxious, haggard ! In a 
moment Geoffrey forgot all about his own troubles 
and thought only of his friend. 

My dear George, what is the matter ? Ex- 
cuse my curiosity, but you look so depressed and 
unhappy that I cannot resist questioning. We 
have seen little of each other for some time, through 
no fault of mine. You have avoided me, I know. 
But now here we are again face to face, George, 
and you must let me share your trouble. Perhaps 
I can be of use to you, too — who knows, George ? 
I am a useless sort of being, I feel ; but at least 
my sympathy won’t hurt, if I can’t be of any serv- 
ice,” said Geoffrey, in his w^arm, affectionate 
manner. 

Fenton seized his hand, but shook his head in a 
despairing way. 

^'^Come in and I will tell you,” he answered; 
and when they had reached Geoffrey’s parlor he 
broke out suddenl}^ : 

^^The fact is, Geoffrey, I am on the verge of 
ruin. I have been caught at last. The market is 
crazy. There is no calculating five minutes ahead. 
I have lost and lost until I don’t know where I 
stand or how to extricate myself from impending 
ruin. Everybody seems panic-stricken, and money 


BLACK FRIDAY, 


49 


is not to be had except at such rates as are beyond 
my reach. This infernal g*old speculation is pulling* 
things to pieces.’’ 

Gold speculation ? ” repeated Geoffrey. 

Yes, gold. It is all gold, gold, gold ! which 
is mounting up in some mysterious waj^ that baffles 
all calculations. They are making a ^corner’ in 
gold — the Fisk clique. At present it is at 41 ; to- 
morrow it may be 100. Who can tell? ” said Fen- 
ton, in a hoarse voice, and with a dead, heavy 
look. 

Geoffrey only imperfectly understood at first, 
but succeeded after awhile In learning the main 
facts. It was his friend’s belief that Fisk, backed 
by some powerful speculators, was determined to 
buy up all the gold possible and then trade on the 
necessities of the business people, from whom he 
could extort any price for possession of needful 
amounts of the precious metal for use in their ordi- 
nary transactions. This wild speculation in gold 
had depressed stocks and caused disastrous losses 
to many who had been obliged to carry large 
blocks.” 

Geoffrey only indirectly saw the relation of the 
two things, but he understood clearly enough that 
if he could not save his friend from impending ruin, 
at least he could offer assistance. 

^^Look here, George ! All this is too deep for 
me. But I have some gold on hand. You know I 
have always believed in sticking to the specie. A 
fellow knows what he really has then, in case any- 
thing happens. It’s of no use to me just now, and 
if you think that one hundred and fifty thousand 


50 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


dollars would enable you to pull through, say the 
word and it is yours/’ said Geoffrey. 

One hundred and fifty thousand ! Are you 
serious? Why, it would be salvation,” cried 
Fenton. 

Take it, then, old fellow, and use it. What’s 
the use having it Ijung idle?” answered Geoffrey, 
in a generous burst. 

^^My God! is it possible?” cried Fenton, in 
amazement. You will do that? You are not 
jesting? ” 

^‘'Jesting ! not a bit. I was never more serious 
in my life, and to prove it, here goes,” replied Geof- 
frey, sitting down to a table and drawing up an 
order for the money, which he handed to Fenton. 

There, old fellow. That does not look like jok- 
ing, does it ? ” 

Fenton seized Geoffrey’s hands and wrung them 
feverishl3^ He was completely overcome with joy, 
and sank into a chair sobbing like a child. 

Excuse this weakness, Geoffrey. But I 
thought I was done for. The joy has now been 
so sudden — it knocks me worse than the despair. 
God bless you I Bless you again and again, for 
this unexpected aid. I feel like a shipwrecked 
sailor tossed about at the merc^^ of the storm 
who descries a sail and is rescued. Your money 
will be the turning point of my luck. I won’t lose 
it, be sure. It will save me — enrich me — enrich us 
both. Before sundown to-morrow you will have 
cause to congratulate yourself on this timely help. 
Until then, good-by.” 

The excited young broker put Geoffrey’s check 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


51 


safely away in his wallet, buttoned up his coat and 
hurried out. 

Geoffrey was alone again — at the most impor- 
tant crisis of his life with no one to consult. 

He was dolefully pondering over his situation 
when another dispatch from his mother was handed 
to him, bidding him ‘^Come at once. Lose not a 
moment.” 

With gloomy apprehension of the worst, he 
made all his preparations for leaving at once — on 
the next train — and then went to take leave of 
Sophie. 

sudden resolution,” remarked Mrs. Sands, 
when she heard Geoffrej^-’s rather unsatisfactory 
declaration that he was called away suddenly to 
San Francisco. 

Sophie turned slightly pale and held down her 
head for a few seconds before asking in a very low 
tone : 

When will you return, Geoffrey ? ” 

^^Hot before a month, at least,” was Geoffrey’s 
answer. 

Perhaps two months,” ejaculated Mrs. Sands, 
in a dubious tonet,hat irritated Geoffrey and Sophie. 
The governor’s ” meddling was inopportune. 

What a pity jmu are not already married — 
then you could go together,” continued Mrs. Sands, 
as if only talking to herself. 

Sophie flushed up angrily in an instant. 

Don’t talk of such things, for Heaven’s sake, 
^ governor ’ ! Don’t you understand Geoffrey must 
go away in a hurr}^ ? ” 

^^Yes, yes — I know, of course. But I wasn’t 


52 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


going to say a word against it. I was only think- 
ing what a pity everything was not already" fixed. 
But I don’t see why it cannot be done yet before he 
goes/’ persisted Mrs. Sands. 

Governor’ !” exclaimed Sophie, desperately, 
trying to stop her friend’s tongue. 

Geoffrey took the young girl’s hand. 

^^Let her say her say, Sophie/’ said he, gently, 
though his mind was disturbed strangely by Mrs. 
Sands’s rushing method. 

^^No, I won’t allow it,” replied Sophie, with 
unwonted determination. 

Won’t allow what, child ? What do you sup- 
pose I am going to say, dear ? ” demanded Mrs. 
Sands. . 

I don’t care what you’re going to say. Stop, 
^governor,’ I won’t have it,” cried Sophie, impetu- 
ously. 

^^Now, Sophie, be reasonable and listen to me. 
Hear what I have to propose before scolding — 
That’s right, Mr. Smith,” remarked Mrs. Sands, 
as she observed Geoffrey place his hand over 
Sophie’s mouth to check her protests. That’s 
right, I’m glad you don’t side with her in this 
matter. I’m only speaking in the interest of you 
both, and this is what I want to say. If you are 
going so soon, to-morrow morning, why can’t you 
get married to-night ? Then you can go to- 
gether.” 

Oh, ^governor’ ! ” cried Sophie, in the deepest 
mortification, for Geoffrey had removed his hand 
from her mouth with a start. Her own hands 
quickly covered her face, which became scarlet ; 

I wish I had never seen you. Sands,” she moaned. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


53 


How can 3^ou say such a dreadful thing* and place 
me in such a position ! ’’ 

The tears forced their way through her delicate 
fingers, and dropped on Geoffrey’s knee. 

Nothing could ever induce me to do such a 
thing, Sands,” cried Sophie, hotly. Geoffrey 
must go, and go alone. Do you think I am afraid 
to wait — that I want to hurry him, as if I doubted 
him? Oh, ^governor,’ how could you do such a 
thing?” 

Undoubtedly Mrs. Sands was moved by coarse 
suspicions insulting to Geoffrey’s sincerity, but he 
was touched by Sophie’s agitation and unselfish- 
ness and preferred to ignore the governor’s ” too 
evident mistrustfulness. 

^•Sophie, there is much good sense in Mrs. Sands’s 
suggestion. I see no reason why you should object 
to having the wedding take place before we part,” 
said Geoff rej^, in a quick way, as if afraid he could 
not trust his own speech. We may as well have 
it over.” 

Of course, I’m right. I’m always right,” Mrs. 
Sands declared, confidently. ‘^And you see how 
Mr. Smith agrees wdth me, Sophie.” 


54 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


CHAPTER VIII. 

The famous Black Friday on which the great 
gold corner culminated is related to our story, be- 
cause it was on that da}^ Geoffrey and Sophie were 
quietly married (not the night before, as no clergj^- 
man could be found in time) ; and it was also mem- 
orable in the career of George Fenton as the lucky 
day on which he entered Wall Street with the cash 
supplied by Geoffrey and a few other friends, and 
left it richer by two hundred thousand dollars. 

Neither Geoff re^^ nor Sophie thought of the Fri- 
day superstition, until they were in the clergyman’s 
house, and then Sophie would have backed out al- 
together but for the governor’s ” firmness. 

^• Nonsense, Sophie,^’ cried Mrs Sands. ^^The 
idea of a girl like you giving way to mere super- 
stitious gabble. Unlucky Friday ! What absurd 
rubbish ! One day is no better or no worse than 
another. You must have sense enough to know 
that, child.” 

Well, it is not you who’s going to be married, 
and it won’t hurt you. But I don’t like it, ^gov- 
ernor,’ and I can’t help feeling>trhat this accident 
is an omen of ill luck. I prefer to put it off,” said 
Sophie. 

Can it be possible you are so silly, child ? 
Come, now, get ready and have it over. What 
would be reall^^ unlucky would be to leave without 
having it done, after coming here to be married,” 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


55 - 


cried Mrs. Sands, not without some impression on 
Sophie. 

Geoffrey uttered not a word, for, truth to say, 
he shared to some extent in the Friday supersti- 
tion, and, besides, irresolution was working- in him. 
In his heart he would have welcomed any decent 
excuse for deferring the wedding. In the stillness 
of the preceding night, as he lay tossing on his 
bed; all the doubts and misgivings he had at first 
felt rushed upon him again with a strength that 
almost overbore the chivalric resolution he had 
formed to marry the girl at whatever cost to him- 
self. And he would have been but too well con- 
tent had Sophie persisted in her opposition to Fri- 
day. But Mrs. Sandses last skillful stroke about ill 
luck attending postponed weddings made such an 
extraordinary impression on Sophie, that when she 
found Geoffre}^ apparently assenting b}^ his silence 
she gave way and consented to have the ceremony 
go on. 

The young actress clung to him very tenderly a 
few hours later when the time came for him to leave 
for California. 

You are sure I have done right, Geoffrey ? ” 
she asked. Are you quite pleased ? ’’ 

My dear Sophie,’’ cried Geoffrey, embracing 
her warmly. How can you ask such a question ? 
Is it not hard enough to leave you so soon without 
making the parting moment more trying by such 
questions ? ” 

‘*Oh! I hope you are sincere, Geoffrey — that 
you really love me — because — because I love you 
with m^^ whole heart, and it would break were I 


56 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


ever to know I have allowed you to do what you 
are going* to repent of.’’ 

^^Poor Sophie !” thought Geoffrey, as he was 
being whirled away in the train. ^^She is not 
happy, and I’m afraid that I have not gained even 
the satisfaction of making her contented by tny 
own sacrifice. If she but knew what a miserable 
wretch I have been ! ” 

^‘Now I’m happy, darling,” exclaimed Mrs. 
Sands, when she and Sophie were back at their 
hotel. Aren’t you glad I bullied you, after all, 
you little simpleton ? What a goose you would 
have been if I hadn’t been at your side.” 

I’m not at all satisfied with myself or you, 
either. Sands,” replied Sophie, gloomily. ^^I wish 
we had waited. ISTothing good can come of this un- 
lucky wedding. You’ll see.” 

^^I’il see nothing of the kind, you stubborn little 
goosey,” laughed Mrs. Sands, kissing Sophie again 
and again. You two will be perfectly happy and 
bless me some day for forcing you into each other’s 
arms. Come, cheer up, now, you ungrateful little 
bride, and let us forget all about gloom in celebrat- 
ing the occasion. One glass of wine in honor of 
the day. Only one, Sophie. I suppose his royal 
highness. King Geoffrey, wouldn’t object to it were 
he here.” 

Poor Sophie brightened up at the suggestion, 
and her spirits rose with the genial wine injudi- 
cious Mrs. Sands poured out for her. Well she 
knew ^Giis royal highness ” would have objected 
were he present, but like many another misguided 
and self-deluding woman she consoled herself 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


57 


with the thought that Geoffrey would never know 
of it. Besides, what real harm was there in it, 
anyhow ? ’’ 

Gone ! and without settling with me ! ’’ ex- 
claimed Fenton in astonishment, on reading the 
hasty note left by Geoffrey announcing his depart- 
ure for San Francisco in obedience to an urgent 
call.” 

What a strange fellow he is ! Thinks no 
more about one hundred and fifty thousand dollars 
than another would of one thousand dollars. Gave 
me the whole thing without receipt or condition. 
Trusted me completely, and now he flies off to Cali- 
fornia without a word about the money.” 

He read Geoffrey’s brief but a^ffectionate note 
again. 

I have heard of such people in the world, but 
never believed it till now. Wonder what the ur- 
gent call can be. No trouble, I hope. And yet, now 
that I think of it, seems to me he has been rather 
anxious-looking and worried. No use my trying to 
guess. He’s gone, and that’s all I know. Must 
wait till he chooses to tell me. Ah ! but if I 
don’t double that one hundred and fifty thousand 
dollars for him before he gets back, I’m a noodle.” 

George Fenton was in magnificent spirits again. 
He was out of the slough of despond ” — not only 
saved from ruin, but re-established as a capitalist 
and on the broad road to great wealth. Govern- 
ment had smashed the gold corner, and young 
Fenton nabbed up quickly as much of the hordes 
of depressed stocks as he could manage, to hold 
them for a rise, which was inevitable — a rise which 


58 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


would make him and Geoffrey solid forever/’ as 
he said. 

Ah^ how near I was to ruin and how gallantly 
Geoffrey helped me ! I can never forget him/’ he 
exclaimed aloud^ ^Mf I were to live a thousand 
years.” 

The idea suddenly occurred to Fenton that the 
actress over the way might be able to tell him 
more about Geoffrey’s sudden departure. 

^^I’ll run over and see them. A visit there 
always does me good. I like her, too— yes, I like 
her very much. I wonder if Geoffrey has any seri- 
ous thoughts in that direction. Sometimes I fancy 
he has, and somehow the thought always depresses 
me. He’s a noble fellow anyway, and Sophie is 
good as well as beautiful.” 

He crossed to the little hotel, took supper in 
the restaurant alone, and then went upstairs to the 
Vernon apartments. 

When he knocked gently at the door of Miss 
Vernon’s parlor, it was opened partially only and 
with some caution. Mrs. Sands’s face, rather flushed 
and startled, presented itself. 

Oh ! it is you, Mr. Fenton,” said Mrs. Sands, 
in a tone that plainly expressed embarrassment. 

Mrs. — I mean Miss Vernon is not well. But come 
in if you wish.” 

There was not much welcome in the invitation, 
and Fenton hesitated on the threshold in some 
embarrassment himself. A peculiarly strong odor 
of vinous exhalations came from the room, and his 
quick glance detected on the table two opened 
bottles and glasses, while on the sofa, partly cov- 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


59 


ered by a large shawl, lay Sophie, apparently 
asleep. 

It is of no consequence, Mrs. Sands. I will 
call in the morning. I hope Miss Vernon will be 
quite well then,’’ said Fenton. 

Mrs. Sands bowed her head in assent. 

Good-night, Mrs. Sands, good-night,” added 
Fenton. I only wanted to know ” 

The voice of Sophie interrupted him, sa.ying : 

Don’t be angry. Don’t scold, Geoffre^^ It 
won’t happen again,” reached his ears, as he 
turned to leave before Mrs. Sands had closed the 
door. 

^‘That’s decidedly strange,” said Fenton, the 
gladness of whose face was suddenly changed t 
seriousness. Talking about Geoffrey in her sleep . 
What was it she murmured? Something abouv. 
forgiveness and never to do wrong again. Ah, 
me ! Ah, me ! ” sighed the broker, descending the 
stairs slowly. 


60 


BLACK FRIDAY, 


CHAPTER IX. 

It was not at all like going home with Geoffrey 
Sims this time. Always before he had been light- 
hearted and full of joy, but now his spirits were 
depressed and his mind harassed by different 
causes of anxiety. There. was no doubting the 
tenor of the last dispatch he had received from his 
mother; it meant that there was no hope of his 
father’s recovery, and perhaps he would not arrive 
in time to see him alive. He had parted from his 
father in bitter anger and indignation. Some 
months before his trip to Xew York, a French 
woman, neither particularly young nor good-look- 
ing, appeared in San Francisco, and made the ac- 
quaintance of his father. Until then, no one could 
have led a more honorable life than Mr. Sims. Ha 
was regarded as a model husband and father, 
gentle, considerate, loving and attentive. But 
with the advent of Mme. Vernay. his nature 
seemed to undergo a radical change, and soon all 
the world of San Francisco became aware that the 
level-headed old millionaire was permitting himself 
to be led astray b}^ an artful and daring advent- 
uress. Friends expostulated with him; but he 
told them to mind their own business. 

Can’t a man see a lad}^ on business without 
arousing the groundless suspicions of the gossips ? 
I think I am able to take care of myself without 
impertinent meddlers,” the millionaire had said. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


61 


whenever ai\ybody spoke to him about the scandal 
his intimacy with Mme. Vernay was causing. 

And there was just this one grain of truth in 
his statement; Mme. Vernay had, indeed, sought 
his advice about certain mining interests, and he 
had advised her judiciously. But consultations 
about such subjects could hardly be necessary at all 
hours of the day in her rooms as well as his office ; 
and still less necessary appeared to be the frequent 
carriage rides alone with the woman, and their ap- 
pearance together in cafes and theaters. But a 
man infatuated with a woman seldom sees these 
things in their true light, or, if he does, passion 
sweeps aside scruples, delicacy and other incon- 
venient considerations. 

It often happens that a man’s family is the last 
to suspect and the last to hear of the improprieties 
or suspicious indications. But Mrs. Sims, to whom 
until then her husband’s whole life had been open 
as day — who rarely missed him from her side save 
when absent on busineSvS — could not but notice his 
frequent and unexplained absences now — his 
changed, fretful manner and aptness to take 
offense at the slightest exhibition of curiosity on 
her part. 

Then there were not wanting spiteful, gossiping 
friends, whose hints were hardly needed to arouse 
her own suspicions. Something was wrong, and 
the whole truth flashed upon her one day when, by 
merest accident, she saw her husband and Mme. 
Vernay issue from the hotel together and enter a 
carriage. The French woman was leaning on Mr. 
Sims’s arm and there was an expression in her 
eyes that meant a great deal to poor Mrs. Sims. 


62 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


Geoffrey was with his mother at the time, tak- 
ing* an afternoon drive, and could not help noticing 
her extraordinary agitation, though he did not 
suspect the true cause. 

Are you ill, mother ? he said. 

^^Not at all,’^ was her prompt answer, though 
her face was flushed and angry-looking. I believe 
it is very warm.’’ 

That night there was a scene in the grand man- 
sion of the Sims family on Mission street, caused by 
certain embarrassing questions asked by the wife 
of the husband, who from suspicious evasions easily 
passed to angry, contemptuous defiance, amount- 
ing to a confession of guilt. 

I decline to be catechized in this wa3^ It is 
enough that I have told you I have certain business 
relations with the lady that I don’t intend to ex- 
plain. You must be contented with that reply,” 
said the husband. 

Business with the lady ! ” repeated Mrs. Sims, 
with a peculiar inflection of the first and last word. 

Well, and what have you to say against her ? 
What do you mean by that curious tone?” de- 
manded the husband, hotly. Is she not a lady ? 
Do you know anything to the contrary ? ” 

^^I know nothing about her, except ” 

Except what ? Why don’t yon go on ? ” 

Except that ladies do not go riding with other 
people’s husbands. Concealment is useless longer, 
Geoffrey, for I have seen with my own ejms. And 
oh ! that I should live to see it.” 

If, instead of talking riddles, you will explain 
what you mean, perhaps I will understand you, 
Mrs. Sims.” 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


63 


I 

OIl Geoffrey, is it possible that it has come to 

, this ! 

Again I tell you I don’t know what you mean. 
I see no reason for your tragic manner.’’ 

We have always lived happily together until 
now, Geoffrey,” said Mrs. Sims, with a choking 
voice, and scarcely able to restrain her tears. For 
your own sake as well as for mine — and for our 
boy’s sake — let no cause of unhappiness come be- 
tween us. Think of 3^our good name and of all the 
misery that must come upon us. We have loved 
and respected each other. Our life has been so 
free from misunderstandings, and God has been so 
g*ood to us, Geoffre3^ Must all be changed now 
for the sake of a stranger of whom you know little 
— who will onl3^ drag you down to degradation and 
then, perhaps, leave you when she has drawn from 

you all she desires ? Think of the consequences ” 

Mrs. Sims could proceed no further. Her voice 
broke and tears of anguish covered her cheeks. 

Her husband stood for a few moments silently 
regarding her agitation, alternately pale and red 
with passion, but with^no sign of relenting. Then he 
turned on his heel and left the room. 

The months that followed this scene were full of 
anguish for the wife, who saw her appeal scorned, 
and suffered all the tortures of neglect and estrange- 
ment in silence. Mr. Sims scarce!}^ spoke to his 
wife or son, took his meals alone, and spent as little 
of his time at home as possible. 

Meantime, his son was greatly puzzled and dis- 
tressed at the evident estrangement between his 
parents, and the hard, distant manner of his father 
toward himself. He was not conscious of having 


64 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


done aug‘ht to incur his father’s displeasure^ and 
every attempt he made to g*et an explanation was 
met with tears from his mother and unmerited 
harshness and rebuke from his father. The home 
that had been so happ3^ and bright became gloomj^ 
and wretched. 

The explanation finall^^ came upon him like a 
thunder-clap. Of an impulsive^ straightforward 
nature, he immediatelj^ resolved in rather an inju- 
dicious way to appeal to his father’s better nat- 
ure. It was a stormy interview, and young Geof- 
frey quitted his father’s presence with such unusual 
words as impertinent puppy,” meddlesome 
cub” and audacious impudence” ringing in his 
ears. 

Never dare to speak to me on such a subject 
again, or I will — ” Mr. Sims, Sr., had exclaimed 
with furious passion, checking himself on the verge 
of the threat, which trembled on his lips, of per- 
sonal chastisement. 

Poor Geoffrey was completely overwhelmed hy 
the violence of his father’s anger, and for some 
time could think of no other means to end the 
dreadful situation. To consult with his mother — 
even to let her know that he was aware of the 
shameful cause of the estrangement — seemed im- 
possible. To again appeal to his father would be 
useless. He could only think, think, and fret in 
silence, without being able to devise any plan for 
dispelling the dark cloud that enveloped home. 

At last the inspiration came to him. He re- 
solved to go to the woman herself. She might be 
very bad indeed, but there must be some good left 
in her. He would arouse that good. He would 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


appeal to her to go away — far away from Sau 
Francisco, and thus be the means of restoring 
peace and happiness to the once happy home. 
No woman could resist the sort of appeal he would 
make. 

But he little knew the artfulness and deceit of 
Mine. Vernay, who heard him with feigned aston- 
ishment and protested it was all one grand mis- 
take.’’ Certainly she would not he the cause of 
trouble. 

^^Non, monsieur, jamais, mais — Ah ! how must I 
go ? How must I go from here because bad people 
say bad things ? Mr. Sims is a gentleman— oh ! 
one so honorable ! It is an error, Mon Dieu ! a 
grand error. But I must not have him for my 
business longer. No, it would not be right. Ah ! 
then, but if people talk so, how can I stay ? No, I 
see I must go. Mon Dieu, que tout-le monde est 
mechant. Ah ! my dear young monsieur, I under- 
stand the — how do you say it ? — the — the chagrin 
you have. But it shall stop, I will not be the 
cause. And madame votre mere — ah ! — mais ” 

Geoffrey was completely fooled. When he took 
leave of Mme. Vernay it was with an apology for 
having believed the ill reports of her. She seemed 
an admirable woman, and he felt convinced he had 
done not only a very good but a very wise thing. 
The trouble was as good as over. He felt happy 
and light-hearted, as he had not been for many 
months. ^ . 

But the epilogue was to follow swiftly — for the 
very next day Geoffrey was summoned to the pres- 
ence of his father only to be ordered out of it 


66 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


again in a storm of passionate abuse and resent- 
ment. 

Out of my siglit, yon meddlesome ^mung 
scoundrel ! and let me never see you here again 
until I summon you ! You presume to judge your 
father — to thrust yourself unbidden into matters 
you do not understand ! How dare you have the 
effrontery ? ’’ 

But, father, hear me ! let me ex ’’ 

^'Not a word, sir ! I give you twenty-four hours 
to leave this house and go East. Go to New York. 
Stay there till I call you back. If I find you here 
at this time to-morrow 

But, sir 

Go ! or I will not be responsible for my acts. 
Begone ! or — Hear well what I now say. If you 
disobey me I will leave you and your mother for- 
ever. I forbid you to say one ^vord.’’ 

Mr. Sims pointed sternly to the door, through 
which his son passed after exclaiming in a firm 
voice in which there were indignation and anger : 

I leave you, sir, but understand well I shall 
not abandon my mother in her distress. I cannot 
touch your heart and conscience, which seei>i to be 
dead now within you. But neither can yon sep- 
arate me from my mother without her consent, do 
or say what you may. God forgive you for the 
unjust words you have used toward me ! God 
forgive you and change your heart.’’ 

Ah, m}^ poor boy, what you have suffered for 
my sake. But you must bear it patiently, Geof- 
frey. We must accept our burdens as they are 
sent hy the Almighty. He will make all right and 
straight in His own good time. And — and — Geof- 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


67 


frey, it tears my heart to say it. But you must go 
away. You must obe^^ 3^our father,'^ said Mrs. 
Sims^ after listening to Geoffrey’s account of the 
interview with his father. 

What ! Leave you, mother ! Never ! Never ! ” 
exclaimed the son, firmly. I will never quit your 
side while this wretched infatuation lasts.” 

You must, my son. It is God’s will,” replied 
Mrs. Sims, in a voice trembling with emotion. 

For you to defy your father will not help mat- 
ters. It will only make bad worse. And — it is 
your duty to obey your father.” 

^^Oh, mother, how can you urge me to do such 
a thing.” 

Because I feel — I know it will be for the best. 
Your remaining will onh^ intensify your father’s 
anger, perhaps — Oh, Heaven, to think of it ! — lead 
to violence between you. Think of that danger, 
ray dear child, and the deeper disgrace and scandal 
that would result.” 

^^Then you will come with me. We will go 
away together ? ” pleaded Geoffrey. 

^^No; my duty is to remain and abide God’s 
will. My place must be near your father, and 
trust to Heaven for good results. Sooner or later 
the disenchantment will come, and then my pres- 
ence will be useful. Leave all to God, Geoffrey'.” 

^^Ttt would be w^rong, cowardly, detestable, to 
leave you thus,” exclaimed Geoffrey, impetuousljL 
I can’t go — no, it is impossible, unless you go 
with me.” 

^^M}^ brave, good son,” murmured the agitated 
mother, looking into her boy’s eyes wdth tender- 
ness and gratitude. You are dearer to me now 


68 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


than ever, because I see to the depth of your true, 
loving* heart. But we must part for your good, 
for mine and even for his, my child. What you 
propose is out of the question. I must stay where 
I have promised God to abide, through weal or woe 
— at your father’s side. You will understand that, 
I know. You must go alone — let us hope only for 
a short time. But I — I must stay here — wherever 
your father may be, for to abandon him now would 
be to leave him without help, support or restraint, 
completely under the influence of that bad, bold 
woman. You would not want her to triumph, and 
triumph she would were I to go away with 3^ou 
now. I have no fear. God will guard me, as I 
pra3^ he may guard 3^ou among strangers.” 

Mother, you. are an angel,” said Geoffrey, 
reverentl.y. I will go if you command me, of 
course. But have you thought how strange it will 
be — all the world here discussing father and that 
— that — devil, and I leaving at the same time ? ” 

Your remaining would be worse, my son, for 
an open quarrel between you and your father would 
ensue. It is hard to part with you, but God wills 
it, and we must bow to His will, Geoff re3\ Go, 
then, with my blessing, and God be with you. We 
will make preparations at once. I feel that the 
separation will not be long. Be brave and hopeful, 
and take good care of yourself.” 

As he rattled ahead in the big overland train 
the recollection of all these unliapp.y occurrences 
came back to Geoffre,y with extraordinary vivid- 
ness. He recalled also words of advice his mother 
had given to him just before kissing him good-bj^ 
for the last time. He had smiled at them then, but 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


69 


how was it with him now ? Had. he heeded those 
words ? Had he kept his promises to that good, 
pure, unselfish mother ? 

have only one fear in parting with you now, 
Geoffrey. That is the danger that lies in your soft 
heart. You are too easily touched, my son. You 
feel the troubles of others acutely and make them 
your own. You were so as a child even. It is a 
beautiful trait — noble and unselfish — -but it has its 
dangers also, my son. Therefore I say to you, 
don’t trust to your heart too much. Temptations 
will be thrown in ^mur way when you are among 
strangers. Be on your guard always. Don’t be 
impulsive or give way to your heart too easily with- 
out taking time to reflect.” 

Trust me, mother, I will never act rashl3\ I 
promise yon that.” 

That’s right, my darling son. You will write 
to me often, ver}^ often, no matter how pleasantly 
you may be occupied. Tell me of all your do- 
ings, ,your friends and all. Especially,” added the 
mother, with a blush, ^ ^ especiall}^ let me know 
about your lady friends. Oh ! Geoffrey, don’t 
smile at me for sajdng this. I ask you to promise 
never to commit yourself to any serious attachment 
without consulting me.” 

^^You think I shall be captivated by some of 
the Eastern beauties, my dear little mother,” Geof- 
frey replied, with a half-quizzical smile. Don’t 
worry about that. Whenever I find myself with 
the faintest matrimonial inclination, I shall sit 
down and pen you a description of the matchless 
beauty, her pedigree, rank and all that sort of 
thing.” 


70 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


And it was thus they had parted at last with 
happy smiles instead of tears. 

And here I am going back to that good^ pure 
sweet mother with deceit in my heart. Married, 
and married to an actress ! How shall I ever tell 
her and my poor father whom I lectured ? Ah ! if 
I had only heeded her words in time.’’ 


CHAPTER X. 

Mr. Sims, the elder., was dead and buried some 
days before his son Geoffrey could get to San 
Francisco. He had been suffering for over two 
years with a dangerous complaint, which demanded 
the greatest care to hold it in check. But in the 
ardor of his crazy infatuation for the French wo- 
man he threw cautions for health as well as for 
honor to the winds, and soon began to reap the 
disastrous consequences of sanitarj^ neglect. To 
this was added the exasperating conviction that 
Mme. Vernay was only a cold-blooded adventuress, 
for he was too clear-sighted to remain for an^’ 
great length of time blind to the fact that she onl^^ 
encouraged or tolerated him for the sake of the 
generous tokens of regard which from time to time 
he bestowed upon her. The day came when he 
felt he would like to be rid of her. Then the enor- 
mity of his trangression, the villainy of his conduct 
toward wife and son, the utter selfishness of his 
course, the depth of degradation to which he had 
permitted himself to fall — all seemed so terribly 
inexcusable and criminal that reparation appeared 



BLACK FRIDAY. 


71 


possible. In the darkness of his own soul, had 
been left alone, he might have ended his career 
suicide. But he was not left alone. His wife 
roved to be a true guardian angel. Few women, 
ppurned and insulted as she had been, would have 

e tiown her angelic disposition to forget and forgive 
t the first sign of repentance. She understood 

i ler husband’s nature too well to wait to be sued 
'or pardon. She loved him too deeply, too unself- 
shly, to allow pride or resentment to hold her 
iback for one moment. With intense gratitude to 
jthe Almighty for hearing her prayers — prayers 
night and day for the rescue of her deluded hus- 
Iband — Mrs. Sims devoted all her energies of mind 
land heart to his mental and bodily restoration. 
But it was too late. The old gentleman had gone 
a few steps too far, and it was written in the Book 
of Fate that he should pay the penalty. 

Oh ! my darling wife, what a villain I have 
been ! ” he exclaimed one day as he lay on his bed 
of pain and repentance. To have forsaken you 
for such a jade ! To have wronged you even in 
thought, my darling — you, who were always so 
true and loving and devoted ! How could you 
ever forgive me ? ” 

Hush — Geoffrey — hush, dear ! You will only 
injure yourself and delay your recovery,” answered 
the good wife, kissing his fevered brow. 

That will never be, my darling — never. I am 
not to survive this attack. I feel it. I know it. 
Don’t deceive yourself, or try to deceive me. It is 
useless,” said Mr. Sims, sadly, ^^I wish I were 
more fit to go, darling — more worthy of your sweet, 
consoling love, and of God’s great mercy.” 


72 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


‘^Oh! Geoffrey, don’t speak in that way, as 
though all hope was over. You will break my 
heart. God will spare you, be sure. Hope. Don’t 
despair,” said Mrs. Sims, kneeling at his bedside 
and bathing with her tears his trembling hand. 

God’s will be done, my wife,” murmured the 
dying man. God’s will be done. If I could only 
see our boy once again — to ask his pardon, too — my 
poor boy, whom I spurned from me. Oh, God ! 
Oh, God ! ” 

It was his frequent cry — to see the absent one— 
a cry that was not to be answered, for the supreme 
moment came even sooner than he himself ex* 
pected. 

Tell Geff I always loved him, even in my 
madness, and ask him to pray sometimes for me. 
Farewell, darling. God bless and protect you ! 
God bless you and him. Farewell ! ” 

They were the last words of the millionaire, who 
passed calmly away a moment after. 

Young Geoffrey on reaching home found his 
mother almost at death’s door from grief and 
physical exhaustion. At her side was a young 
lady, watching over her tenderly as a daughter. 
He did not immediately recognize in the tall, slim, 
dark-eyed girl the pla3unate of his childhood, Kate 
Fisher, whom he had last seen in short dresses 
with hair plaited behind and tied with ribbon. She 
was then only ten years old, a gay, light-hearted, 
romping little miss, who had been his constant 
companion in all his boyish sports, until each was 
sent away to be educated — the girl to a convent, and 
the boy to a college in New York. For awhile 
they corresponded, keeping alive the memories of 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


73 


childhood's happy days. But after a year t':e cor- 
respondence almost ceased, and as Geoffrey seldom 
visited home, even during- his vacations, it hap- 
pened that they never saw each other ag-ain until 
the death of his father called him back to San 
Francisco. It was a great surprise, therefore, to 
find his little Tomboy companion of other days 
transformed into a beautiful and accomplished 
woman. It was a disagreeable surprise, too, when 
he realized that the former intimacy was no longer 
to be thought of — that his little wifey and sweet- 
heart,’’ as he used to call her, had become the dis- 
tant if not proud young lady, protected by the 
dignity of womaphood from the familiarity of 
youth. 

And — bitter thought, which he realized too late 
— there was a barrier created by himself which 
made impossible the sweeter tie of mutual confi- 
dence and affection once so eagerly hoped for. 

What a wonderful change ! How beautiful 
she had g-rown ! Yes, how very beautiful and 
dignified ! ” thought Geoffrey with a sigh, after 
the fij’st greeting, when he had sat down by his 
mother’s side. 

He certainly had not been cold in his greeting 
to Kate Fisher, though he felt he had been awk- 
ward and half shy, and imagined by her manner 
that in some way he had disappointed her. Was 
it possible, he asked himself, that she expected 
more warmth, or was it that he had not met her 
expectations — that he had not grown up as she 
had pictured him to herself he would be after all 
the years of separation ? Geoffrey longed also to 
woo back and to know a little of the happy freedom 


74 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


of 3^0 -th — but be could find no words to suit him 
when alone with her occasionally. They were to- 
gether days and weeks in the sick chamber of her 
whom both loved as a mother^ but somehow the3" 
never seemed to grow in intimac}^, as naturally 
should have happened under such favoring cir- 
cumstances. Wh3" was it? Kate was pleasant 
enough with him in the presence of his mother, but 
let them hy chance meet each other alone, any- 
where in the grand mansion, a chilly reserve on 
her part appeared to be assumed expressly to 
prevent anything like the old free intercourse. 

One morning as the two sat alone at breakfast 
6eoffre3^ observed : 

It must be delightful to you, Kate, to see the 
splendid result of your devoted nursing of mother. 
She is growing quite strong again. In a few days 
more she will be well enough to go awa}^ and the 
sooner she leaves here the better it will be for her 
health and spirits. Don’t yon think so ? ” 

Certainly, Geoffrey. Change of scene is the 
best medicine, no doubt,” answered Kate. 

Change will improve yon also, Kate — change 
and rest. You have given yourself so wholly to 
watching and nursing mother, that I wonder yon 
have been able to endure it. I declare I don’t know 
what might have happened but for your presence 
here when mother fell sick. Do yon know, when I 
saw 3mu at mother’s side I did not recognize you at 
first. You can have no idea, of course, 3murself, 
how you have changed in years. ^ Perhaps you 
would not have remembered me, either, if yon had 
not known I was coming — if 3^011 ” 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


75 


would have recognized you any place, Geof- 
frey/’ said Kate, slightly coloring. 

^^Oh ! you think so/’ remarked Geoffrey. 

I am sure,” answered Kate. There is some 
change in you, certainly, but it is not so much in 
3 ’our personal appearance as in your — your ” 

^^What?” demanded Geoffrey, who thought 
there was something like rebuke in the young 
lady’s tone. 

‘^1 could not explain, I’m afraid,” answered 
Kate. 

^‘1 wonder if it is not a case of mutual mis- 
take?” asked Geoffrey. ^^You imagine changes 
in me that don’t exist, just as I was imagining — I 
hope it was only imagination — that you had grown 
very distant, formal and cold with your old play- 
mate. We used to be like brother and sister, you 
know.” 

Miss Kate Fisher making no response, Geoffrey 
was puzzled to understand whether she meant 
silence as assent, or the very opposite. 

That’s a bewildering, way you have now, Kate. 
I might say it is sometimes exasperating to get 
only silence as an answer,” said Geoffrey, who 
thought he had gone as far as he ought to go in 
search of an explanation, and now felt decidedly 
pique'd. I might say that, I repeat, but of course 
I have no right to complain if, for some reason 
I can’t understand, I am disagreeable in your 
eyes.” 

^^Kow, Geoffrey, isn’t that rushing veiw ab- 
surdly to a conclusion ? Why should you be dis- 
agreeable in my eyes? What have I said or done 
from which you can reasonably draw such an in- 


76 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


ference? Is it because I can’t find answer ready 
for all your questions ? ” 

Ah, Kate, your own words now show you are 
not frank and free with me. But don’t let me an- 
noy you. I won’t lo ^e you SbHj more with trouble- 
some questions.” 

j^nd GeoHrey took refuge in silence until Kate, 
having finished her breakfast, was about to retire. 
Then he said : 

I intended to consult you about something 
before our conversation took such a sudden turn 
just now, Kate.” 

Indeed ! On what subject ? ” asked Kate, 
turning her beautiful black eyes full upon the 
young man with an expression of curiosity and 
surprise. 

First let me ask you, Kate, if you have any 
preference yourself regarding places. I mean 
when mother is strong eni^ugh to leave here, is 
there any particular place you would prefer ? I am 
sure it will not matter much to mother, and it 
would please us both to leave the selection to you, 
Kate.” 

That is very kind in 3^ou, Geoffrej^,” answered 
Kate, and I am very thankful for your thought- 
fulness. But I have no choice. Wherever you and 
mother wish, to go will satisfy me perfectly.” 

Kate’s answer was decidedly less cold than 
usual, and Geoffrey thought she looked really 
pleased. 

Ah ! but I sha’n’t be able to go, Kate. I 
must leave mother entirely to you, I am obliged 
to get back to New York just as soon as mother is 
comfortably settled.” 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


77 


You are — going* — back — to New York ? ’’ 

There was something of startled surprise in her 
way of putting the question, and Geoffrey thought 
there was annoyance or regret expressed in her 
eyes. 

Yes, Kate, there are some matters there de- 
manding my attention just as soon as I can get 
away,’’ said he, very calmly. 

Oh ! it is business. I didn’t know you 
troubled yourself about such things,” said Kate. 

If it is only business it won’t keep you very 
long.” 

Geoffrey colored a little at the thought of de- 
ceiving Kate. 

^‘Indeed, it is something of the very highest im- 
portance, Kate, or you may be sure I would not 
leave you. I mean, of course, I would not put all 
the trouble on your shoulders by leaving the entire 
care of mother to you;” Geoffrey hastened to ex- 
plain. 

It is no trouble, Geoffrey. I don’t like you 
to say such things to me, or to think them. Your 
mother, of course, will miss you, but as she must 
know about the important matter that calls you 
away, she will not complain,” answered Kate. 

Oh ! I have not bothered mother in that way, 
Kate, and I have no intention of doing so.” 

Why do you say bother, Geoffrey ? Whatever 
is of importance to you must concern her, too, and 
could not bother her.” 

Oh ! well, Kate, you know she is not strong 
enough yet. We must do and say nothing to her 
that might cause worry.” 


78 


BLACK FRIDAY, 


Worr}^, Geoffrey ! I hope your business is not 
of that nature.’’ 

Geoffre}^ had not looked for such close question- 
ing, and sustained it ill. He felt the blood flashing 
his face, and knew he was displaying a suspicious 
embarrassment. The next remark was not well 
calculated to allay suspicion. 

My business, Kate, concerns another as well 
as myself, and for that reason I cannot explain it.” 

Pardon my impertinent curiosity. I had no 
right to question you,” said Kate, resuming her 
cold, distant manner. 

I am afraid it is I who have given offense, 
Kate. Your questions were most proper and 
natural.” 

The young lady made no response to this con- 
ciliatory speech, and Geoffrey could not read b3’' 
her face what might be passing in her mind. 

You don’t answer, Kate. At least say 
whether I have offended you or not. You don’t 
know how that silent habit you assume so often 
pains and worries me. It makes me think I have 
offended you, though Heaven knows nothing is fur- 
ther from my thoughts. Won’t you answer me, 
Kate?” 

There was something in his pleading tone that 
touched Kate’s sympathetic heart. 

You are mistaken, Geoffrey. You don’t offend 
me. Why should I be angry with you because you 
don’t feel at liberty to tell me about your troubles, 
if you have any? I might feel sorry, not angry.” 

^^That is more like your old self, Kate,” said 
Geoffrey, taking her hand, which he found a little 
tremulous in his own. Let me say this before 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


79 


you go now, my dear little sister, to show you I 
trust and would confide in you more fully if I could. 
I cannot tell mother even about the business that 
calls me to New York. It is something that gives 
me great anxiety — even unhappiness.” 

^"Oh, Geoffrey!” exclaimed Kate, in whose 
eyes there sparkled a few dew-drops. How sorry 
I am ! Forgive my — my — imprudence, and be sure 
of my sj^mpathy always.” 

Thank you, dear Kate — a thousand times,” 
exclaimed Geoffrey, pressing her hand gratefully. 
Your sympathy will always lighten any trouble 
that may come to me. Oh, my God ! ” 

The cry suddenly escaped from him, as he 
dropped her hand and left her there alone, stand- 
ing by the breakfast-table. Her e^^es followed him 
as he rushed into the garden through the open 
stained glass door and disappeared. Her face 
showed pain and surprise. Her heart beat furi- 
ously. 

What can it mean ? What secret is it he 
would conceal ? That strange exclamation I His 
look of anguish ! His sudden rushing away ! ” 
Kate Fisher sank into a chair again, and rested 
her head on her 'hands for a moment in thought. 
When she raised her head again there were tears 
in her eyes. 

Poor fellow I ” she murmured. I knew there 
was something wrong with him. And I cannot 
help him — not even know his trouble.” 

Over the mantlepiece there was an oil painting, 
representing a little girl and boy. The girl was 
curled up on a large wicker chair, smiling at the 
boy, who stood at her side with one hand about her 


80 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


neck and the other patting the head of a big Irish 
setter. It was Geoffrey and herself, aged respect- 
ively ten and eight. 

^^I trusted him then/’ murmured Kate, when 
her eyes rested on the picture recalling so tenderly 
the happy days of childhood. Why must I doubt 
him now ? And yet something tells me he is not 
the same — that this secret trouble, whatever it is, 
must be something that will part us, perhaps for- 
ever.” 

The tears flowed faster as she gazed at the 
familiar picture. 

How silly I am, crying like a baby about 
what I don’t understand — crying when I ought to 
be trying to comfort him. I will trust you, Geoffrey, 
Yes, I will, until I know some reason why I should 
not, and then, at least, I can do something to 
make life happier for jmu.” 

The girl rose resolutely, wiped away all traces 
of tears, and went out into the garden where she 
saw Geoffrey sitting on a bench on the very spot 
where they had so often nestled side by side in the 
happy innocence of youth. His hands were clasped 
behind his head. His back was toward her, so 
that he could not observe her approach, and she 
glided so lightly to the spot that her hand was on 
his shoulder before he had an intimation of her 
presence. At her gentle touch he turned quickly 
and rose to his feet. 

The look of anguish in his pale face sent a pang 
to her heart. 

Geff ! dear Geff ! forgive me. I came here to 
tell yon how sorry I feel that you have any trouble 
— how eager I am to sympathize with you, and — 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


81 


and — ^yes, Geff, . .nd tell you that I trust you just as 
much as I did when we were little ones together.^’ 
^^Kate, Kate! I am unworthy of your confi- 
dence. Oh, my God ! my God ! ’’ burst from his 
lips, involuntarily^ 

^^Oh! Geoffrey, don’t speak so. You don’t 
know what you are saying. I see you are grievedc 
That is all I want to know. Don’t say anything 
more now. If it is any comfort for you to know it, 
be sure I shall always be your friend — your dear 
sister.” 

‘^You are an angel, Kate. I said too much, 
perhaps. Forget it. Forget me, too, if you can.” 

Oh I I wish I could comfort you — do anything 
to make y^ou feel happier ! ” murmured Kate, with 
tears in her ey^es. I have been so hard with you, 
too, all this time, but only because — because — be- 
lieve me, Geoffrey, I thought yrou had changed.’^ 
^"Changed! so I have. I’m a fool, an idiot, 
a ” 

^^Hush! 'hush ! Oh! don’t speak so, Geff. Don’t. 
It wrings my heart to hear you.” 

And now I ai i making you, too, wretched like 
myself. Don’t cry, Kate. Don’t, darling. I can’t 
bear it. There, dry your eyes. I will say^ no more. 
Don’t mind me. Go to mother. Go to her, and 

leave me to recover my^ ” 

He had taken her hand and felt its warm, loving 
pressure, which sent a chill of rapture through his 
whole being. In a moment he forgot everything 
but Kate. He raised her hand to his lips and kissed 
it tenderly, passionately^ Then suddenly^ remem- 
bering himself, he cried : 

My God ! What am I doing ? Betraying how 


82 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


I love you— you— only you, Kate, and I have no 
right to do so. Leave me. Don’t trust me. Hate 
me. I am more deserving of your hate than your 
love.” 

Her hand was released, but she stood a moment 
contemplating' him in amazement. 

Geoffrey, I don’t know what you mean. But 
no matter what you say, I will always trust you 
and sympathize with you.” 

She turned and re-entered the house with Geof- 
frey’s '^God bless you, my darling,” filling her 
heart as well as ears. 


CHAPTER XI. 

Geoffrey and ’ Kate had both seen Mrs. Sims 
on that eventful morning before meeting at the 
breakfast-table. They had found her bright and 
cheerful, and their salutations had been received 
with a happy smile. 

I feel so much stronger, so much happier, to- 
day, my children. It is as if a new lease of life 
had come to me.” 

Her cheerful words gladdened their hearts. 

When they had gone down to the breakfast- 
room, Mrs. Sims summoned her own maid and had 
herself dressed, for the first time since her sickness, 
without waiting for Kate Fisher’s assistance. She 
wanted to surprise her Kate and her Geoffrey, and 
had the homely old rocking-chair — one of the relics 
of less properous days — drawn over by the window 
from which she could look down on the garden. She 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


83 


loved all the old pieces of furniture that had served 
her and her lamented husband in their humble 
home before fortune had made them so wealthy. 
In her sleeping-room she still preserved a mahog- 
any bureau, two comfortable old rocking-chairs 
and the desk which she had bought for her husband 
out of her own savings when first they arrived 
in this country. She clung fondly to these relics, 
that contrasted so strongly with the costly and 
fresh articles to be seen in every other part of the 
Sims mansion. And yet there was no room in the 
house that had such an air of comfort and simple 
refinement, for the grand new things which were to 
be seen there also — in deference to her husband’s 
wishes — had been chosen with such good taste as 
to harmonize perfectly with the old. 

It was with a sweet sigh of contentment that 
she sank into the old rocking-chair on this partic- 
ular morning and looked down on the beautiful 
garden, from which ascended the delicious perfume 
of scores of blooming plants. 

^^How astonished they will be to find me here,’^ 
she murmured to her maid. Don’t let them know 
I am up and dressed. I want them to be sur- 
prised.” 

Presently she saw Geoffrey rush into the 
garden. 

^^Poor boy ! He loves the fresh air and I have 
kept him so much confined lately. But now it is 
all ended. I am well again, and there is no more 
need of this wearisome watching and nursing,” 
she thought. ^^God be praised.” 

Her eyes followed Geoffrey’s quick movements 
and she smiled happily as she murmured : 


84 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


What ferocious exercise ! He wants to make 
up for lost time. A mere boy in heart, as natural 
and simple-minded as before he left for New York, 
and I was so nervous about him, fearing that he 
Avould be contaminated or spoiled by the artificial 
life there ! ’’ 

She continued to watch her son until he sat 
down on the bench. Soon her attention was at- 
tracted again to the garden. Kate had appeared, 
walking tow’ard the spot where Geoffrey sat. 

What a nice couple ! ’’ was her delighted ex- 
clamation. How handsome both have grown, 
and how admirably suited to each other, if they 
only knew it. Ah ! if Geoffrey would only take a 
fancy to Kate ! But he seems so indifferent in that 
way, and Kate, too, never appears to dream of the 
possibility of Geoffrey falling in love with her ! 
The effect of their bringing up— more like sister 
and brother than strangers. And yet they used 
to be so fond of each other, that, foolish mother as 
I must have been, I used to think they would sure- 
ly make a match when the proper time came. Ah ! 
well, who can tell? Mothers never should make 
matches for their children. That is, when they are 
so young. Bless me, what is that ? He has her 
hand, and— yes — reall}^- — he is kissing it, and not 
very much like a brother either. Oh ! thank 
God ! The dearest wish of my heart is to be 
realized.’’ 

She could not see Geoffrey’s face very well 
where she sat, or she might have noticed there 
an expression that would have sadly spoiled the 
delightful series of visions her imagination was 
forming. But she could see distinctly Kate’s 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


sn 


flushed face, as Kate herself hastily retraced her 
steps toward the house. 

Not long* after, when Kate entered Mrs. Sims’s 
apartment, she was struck hy something- unusually 
soft and affectionate in the old lady’s voice and 
manner. 

M3" darling*, I have been waiting* for you. so 
long* this morning,” said Mrs. Sims, smiling with a 
new sort of expression. 

Oh ! mother, I am so delighted to see 3- on 
there — and looking so strong and happy. I have 
been neglectful this morning, 1 am afraid,” an- 
swered Kate, embracing Mrs. Sims warmly. 

Not at all, my love. Look at the clock. You 
will see it is not yet my usual hour for rising. I 
wanted to have a surprise for you and Geoffre3^ 
Where is he ? Why is he not here, too ? ” inquired 
Mrs. Sims, archly. 

The 3"oung girl felt the blood rushing to face 
and neck. It seemed to her that Mrs. Sims must 
be reading her very soul. Yyfhy was Mrs. Sims 
regarding her so intently ? What was the mean- 
ing of that unusual expression ? 

My darling, come here to me,” said Mrs. Sims, 
sweetly. 

Kate sank on her knees before the old lady, in 
whose lap she hid her face. 

Tell me why you are so unusually excited this 
morning, my love,” continued Mrs. Sims, rubbing 
the silken black waves of hair softly and lovingl3". 

Is it from pleasure — some new pleasure, darling, 
or is it from pain ? ” 

Kate could not utter a word. The contrast be- 
tween the mother’s serene contentment and Geof- 


86 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


frey’s heartbroken, despairing* manner a few mo- 
ments before was too much for her. It needed all 
hei iorce of will to refrain from breaking into a fit 
of weeping. The happy old lady mistook the agi- 
tation and trembling for evidences of that new 303% 
which could find no words for expression. 

^^Ah! my darling, I think I could guess if I 
tried hard. But never mind, dear. Don’t hide 
your head. Look up at me — at your mother — 
and let me see 3^our ej^es. Am I not your 
mother now ? ” 

The response sounded something like a sob at 
first, when Kate, half raising her head, mur- 
mured : 

You are the only mother I have ever known, 
and I love you with all my heart.” 

There, there, darling. Don’t say any more. 
I won’t tease you further,” said Mrs. Sims, ten- 
derly. You are extraordinarily sensitive, Kate. 
But, reall^T', this boy of mine is tardy to-day. 
What can he be doing — of what thinking — to forget 
me this morning ? Kate, ring the bell there.” 

Hastily wiping her eyes to hide, if possible, all 
traces of tears, Kate obediently rose. 

^^Tell Mr. Geoffrey to come at once,” said Mrs. 
Sims, when the maid appeared. 

He went out in haste, ma’am, after reading 
his letters,” answered the maid. 

Gone out ? Well, I declare, everything is up- 
side down this morning,” observed Mrs. Sims, with 
a smile. Something must be going to happen.” 

The doctor is downstairs, ma’am,” said the 
maid. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


87 


will see him once. Bring* him here/’ re- 
ied the old lady. 

Kate Fisher took occasion to slip out, as the 
lector entered, and ran to her own room. 

Meanwhile Geoffrey had, as stated the maid, 
[eceived his letters and g'one out in haste. Rushed 
ty the girl might have said with truth, for among 
ihe letters was one from Sophie and another from 
orge Fenton which intensified the high excite- 
;ent he was already enduring. Sophie’s was ram- 
iling, if not incoherent, and legible with diJdiculty. 
'lie studied caution of Fenton’s only caused Geof- 
rey to read it with more attention. Before lie 
perused one-half of it he rushed from the house as 

i f fearing someone would see the deep excitement 
>y which he was shaken. And yet the alarming 
passages in Fenton’s letter did not seem to justify 
^ much agitation. 


I don’t know that I have any right,” Fenton 
iwrote, to meddle, but there is some mysterj^ in 
jthe Vernon-Sands household with which your name 
is linked, in some way, judging by various hints 
that the ^ governor ’ has dropped occasionally, 
when her tongue has been loosened by generous 
wine-juice. Twice when. I called I found Miss 
I Sophie quite ill, and on each of these occasions 
Mrs. Sands, being, as I stated, rather artifically 
excited, let fall some expressiqns that astonished 
me. I can make nothing of them — they were too 
mystic — and might mean many things — if they 
mean "anything beyond irresponsible gabble. But 
one thing struck me forcibly, and I onl}^ write it 
to you because I feel that, like myself, you take a 


88 


BLACK FKIDAY. 


purely unselfisli interest in our friend, Miss Sophie. 
Mrs. Sands is not a safe custodian for a g*irl of 
Miss Vernon’s soft nature, and if I had half the 
influence over the young lady that you seemed to 
possess — you know she treated you with the confi- 
dence and respect of a big brother— I would advise 
Miss Sophie to find a new and more discreet ^ guide, 
philosopher and friend ’ than Mrs. Sands.” 

Mild and cautious as these few sentences were to 
Geoffrey they conveyed a startling picture which 
the chivalry of his friend had tried to suppress. 
^^Miss Sophie quite ill.” Alas ! he knew too well 
what that illness meant, coupled as it was with 
the frank admission about Mrs. Sands’s artificial 
excitement.” 

Even the servants noticed their young mas- 
ter’s worn and haggard looks, both when he 
hastily quitted the mansion and when he re-entered 
it very late in the afternoon. It had alwa^^s been 
his habit to nod kindly to the servants, whenever 
he passed them — to say some pleasant words to 
each. But now when he returned he passed 
through the hall silently without bestowing any 
greeting — apparently without noticing anybod}^ — 
and proceeded direct to his mother’s room. 

The dim light as he entered the apartment hid 
from her view the distress written on his face, 
though he was struggling to appear as calm and 
cheerful as usual. But Kate Fisher saw it all with 
an acute pang. 

The cheery voice of Mrs. Sims roused the girl, 
and she resolved to do all in her own power to 
shield GeoffrejL 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


89 


Well, Sir Truant, where have you been wan- 
dering- ever since morning, and I so anxious to see 
you — to speak with you about the doctor’s recom- 
mendations ? ” asked Mrs. Sims after Geoffrey had 
kissed her. 

And what is it the doctor recommends that I 
am expected to consider, dear mother ? ’’ asked 
Geoffre}^ in a grave tone. 

Nothing which should make you so solemn, 
Geff,” answered Mrs. Sims, whose ears had de- 
tected something in her son’s voice that sounded 
like anxiety. You must not be so easily fright- 
ened. He has not told me anything alarming — 
only this — ^that I ought to leave as soon as possible 
for Europe and pass the Winter in the South of 
France.” 

Europe — France ! ” echoed Geoffrey, in a less 
solemn tone. The suggestion brought some com- 
fort to his tortured mind. 

Yes, my son, and I am glad you seem to ap- 
prove of it,” answered Mrs. Sims. 

am sure whatever the doctor advises will 
be for the best,” replied Geoffrey. 

It will be a pleasant change for us all, no 
doubt, Geoffrey. You and Kate will profit by it 
even more than I,” continued Mrs. Sims. 

Kate noticed the start of surprise and the pain- 
ful embarrassment of Geoffrey at this announce- 
ment. 

I — am — that is — I will — I mean when does the 
doctor wish you to go ? ” asked the young man, 
holding down his head. 

Oh ! I suppose we are not expected to pack 
up and leave in any very great hurry,” said Kate, 


90 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


who desired to help Geoffrey out of his embarrass- 
ment. 

am glad of that/’ observed Geoffrey, for I 
want to go over to New York again, and at once.” 

Indeed ! ” said Mrs. Sims, looking up quickly. 

What is there to cause such haste ? ” 

Something of too much importance to neglect 
any longer,” answered Geoffrey. 

And you have been neglecting some important 
business, then ? Your poor father used to manage 
all that by correspondence, Geoffrey. Why can- 
not you do the same, my son?” demanded Mrs. 
Sims, mournfully. 

Because it is nothing like what you suppose, 
mother — not business at all, but something that 
concerns another, which I cannot now explain to 
you, dear mother.” 

1 am very sorry to hear that, Geoffrey, be- 
cause the something of which jmu speak happens 
rather inopportunely. Kate was wrong. The 
doctor does advise haste, and of course I counted 
upon your compan}^ and your aid. But you know 
best, m^^ son. If you have to go, we must only 
wait. That is all.” 

Geoffrey had recovered his ordinary calmness 
by this time, and allayed the alarmed curiosity of 
his mother by saying : 

My trip to New York need not delay 3"our 
departure, dear mother. All the preparations can 
go on, and if I cannot get through in time to con- 
duct you from here, we can ail meet in New York 
and sail from there.” 

Oh ! we will not need Geff in getting read3% 
mother,” Kate hurried to explain. He would 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


91 


I 


&n!y be in our way. We’ll manage all right, 
I’m sure.” 

I suppose so,” said Mrs. Sims, in the manner 
of one who assents without agreeing. But we 
must not interfere with Geoffrey’s plans, whether 
or no. Let it be as you wish, Geoffrey, and God 
speed you.” 

Thank you, dear mother. You don’t know 
how it pains me to have to leave you at such a 
moment, but it is really a case of necessity.” 

When will you start ? ” asked Mrs, Sims. 

‘^To-morrow. Letters received since morning 
warn me to lose no time.” 

^^Ineed no assurance to believe you, Geoffrey, 
but it is alarming to listen to you talking in that 
way. I can think of no interest to call you there 
in such a way. I hope it means nothing disagree- 
able for yourself. Now I see you more distinctly, 
you have a worried and unhappy look, my son. 
What can be the matter ? ” 

The mother’s sudden anxiety disconcerted Geof- 
frey for a moment. He held down his head with- 
out answering, and Mrs. Sims turned quicklj^ to 
Kate. 

^^Do you know anything about this, my child ? 
Does it mean any disaster, or — Oh ! no, I cannot 
think it possible,” said Mrs. Sims, looking from* 
one to the other anxiously. 

Of course, I know as little as yourself, 
mother,” murmured Kate, in a rather hesitating* 
voice. 

You and Geoffrey have not quarreled — or ” 

No, mother,” exclaimed Geoffrey, with some- 
what startling emphasis. ^^We two could never 


92 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


quarrel. What could ever cause a disag*reement 
between us ? 

^'Nothing*, I hope, my son” said Mrs. Sims, 
who felt g-reatlj^ relieved by Geoffrey’s emphatic 
denial. It was a foolish question to ask, and yet 
for a second I did imagine — that is, there did seem 
to me that probably there might exist a reason for 
misunderstanding.” 

She was thinking, of course, of the morning’s 
scene in the garden, and wondering if she could 
have misunderstood its import. If Geoffrey had, 
as she supposed, declared his love to Kate, why 
was he hurrying away so precipitately to Hew 
York ? What could be of superior importance to 
him than to be near Kate and herself ? Why did 
he look so troubled, and why was Kate, too, appar- 
ently not eager for him to remain ? It was all out 
of the usual course, certainly, and she would like 
an explanation of the curious contradictor}^ symp- 
toms, but as neither Kate nor her son thought 
proper to speak, how could she venture to inter- 
fere ? 

It was hard to remain silent, but still harder to 
say outright what was in her mind . She did the 
very best thing for all three under the circum- 
stances. She showed no further anxiety and con- 
cealed her perplexities from both Kate and Geoffrey. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


93 


CHAPTER XIL 

Geoffrey did not make his appearance at break- 
fast next morning*, and Kate Fisher believed it was 
because he wished to avoid another interview with 
her alone. It deepened the mystery of his strange 
and wholly unexpected outburst of the preceding 
day. She could not understand why he had almost 
in the same breath declared passionate love and 
then asked her to forget what he had said — even to 
forget him altogether, if she could. Ah ! how im- 
possible that would be after learning from his own 
lips that he loved her. Before that moment she 
had believed he cared for her only in a mild, broth- 
erl}^ way — that their early pledges of enduring af- 
fection were regarded b3^ him as childish play, only 
to be considered, like other spoVts of youth, as 
pleasant memories. He had seemed indifferent, 
even, at times, which hurt her womanlj^ pride and 
made her strive to dissemble her own deep feelings. 
How hard it would be to dissemble any longer ? 
She dreaded the inevitable leave-taking. She did 
not feel sufficient!}^ certain of her own strength of 
will to be confident of the result. What would he 
say ? What would he do ? Perhaps he would go 
without seeing her at all. He might believe it best 
not to meet again until — until he came back from 
New York. 

-She trembled at the ver3^ thought. To leave 
her like a mere stranger, without seeing her again, 
how could she endure it ? And yet while she trem- 


94 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


bled at this thought, the idea of meeting him again 
alone appeared equally terrible. 

A thousand times she asked herself why he 
seemed to think it a sort of crime to love her. And 
each time she shrank from the only logical ansv>^er 
that would come. The fear was fluttering about 
her heart, that to learn the truth would be the 
death-knell of hope. 

She was standing by that stained-glass door 
thro igh which Geoffrey had passed the day before 
into the garden. Her mind was recalling every 
word and look of his during their exciting inter- 
view, when all at once she became conscious he was 
at her side. Her heart seemed to cease its beat- 
ing, for a moment, as she listened in painful sus- 
pense for the sound of his voice. 

Kate, I have come to ask your pardon for my 
strange conduct yesterday.’’ 

She did not move ; her tongue seemed paralyzed. 

^^Is it possible you will not even speak to me, 
Kate ? Have I then offended you so much ? ” he 
asked in a tone of deepest misery. 

Her lips moved, while her e3"es turned to his. 
Dear brother,” were the words that came from 
the trembling lips. 

Bless 3mu, Kate, for those consoling words, 
which tell me you do not hate but pit3^ me. In a 
moment of mad forgetfulness, 3"esterda3^, I said to 
you what I had no right to say, and I came here to 

ask you. to forgive me before leaving you ” 

Oh ! Geoffre3% I am so sorry ” 

I want you. alwa3^s to believe this, dear Kate 
— no matter what you may hear, no matter how 
hard appearances may bear against me — that I 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


95 


have done only what honor demanded of me. The 
I time may come when, not knowing* all the circurn- 
stances, you may think I only deserve your scorn 
I and ’’ 

Oh ! Geoffrey, tell me no more. I cannot bear 
I to hear it. I will never despise or hate you — never, 
Geoffrey, never. I am sure you have done nothing 
you need be ashamed of. That is enough for me. 
I have no wish to hear more from you now. Wait 
until it becomes necessary — wait.’’ 

Wait ! ” echoed Geoffrey. Yes, Heaven help 
me, that is all that is left for me. A long, weary, 
despairing wait, and, in the end, what ? ” 

I cannot understand your words, Geoffrey — I 
do not wish to. Let us speak no more about this — 
this sad business of yours, whatever it is. It only 
increases your own pain and does me no good,” 
murmured the young girl, mournfully. I hope, 
whatever may be your trouble now, all may come 
right soon.” 

Thank you, Kate ; thank you. One more 
word before we part. If it can do you no good, at 
least it will relieve me to say it. If anything should 
happen — you know one never can tell in this world 
^to prevent us from meeting again soon, I want 
you to understand' that I have never changed — 
that I have always preserved the same affection 
and — I always shall.” 

His voice trembled, and there was in it something 
like a note of despair, that frightened the jmung 
girl even more than his strange, ominous wore s. 

If we should not meet again — soon ! If, 
Geoffrey — if ? Oh ! what can you mean ? Is there, 
then, some terrible danger? Are you not hiding 


96 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


from us something* that we ought to know ? Oh ! 
Geoffrey, I implore you don’t go — don’t, if, as I 
cannot but fear, from your words, this is a fare- 
well, not merely the beginning of separation for a 
few weeks. Geoffrey, Geoffrey, can it be possible ?” 

No, Kate, no. It is not so bad as that. But 
I will tell you, what I dare not say frankly to 
mother as yet — that there is a possibility I may 
not be able to accompany you abroad — even to see 
you again before you sail. I do not know myself 
about ” 

He stopped abruptly and ran toward Kate, who 
had suddenly become pale as death. Her hand was 
pressed against her heart as if in agony. 

What ! w^hat is it, Kate? Are you ill? Have I 
frightened you ? My God, what have I done ? 
cried Geoffre^^ taking one of her cold hands. 

It is — nothing — only a momentary weakness. 
Let me rest here a minute,” she answered feebly 
as she sank into a chair, with Geoffrey leaning- 
over her. He had become almost pale as herself. 

Is — this — business so imperative that you 
must go?” she asked, with difficulty finding the 
words. 

Absolutely imperative.” 

^^And — your name — your honor — demand it?” 

^^Yes, Kate — yes.” 

Then, Geoffrey, go, in God’s name, and — do — 
your — duty.” 

Her firmness seemed restored in an instant. 
She spoke resolutely, with no trace of weakness in 
voice or manner, and Geoffrey, who had feared she 
was about to faint, contemplated her with amaze- 
ment. How strange, he thought, that she should 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


97 


remind him of duty — she whom that very duty 
seemed to wrong most deeply ! 

I will try to do my duty, certainly, all the 
more resolutel}^, Kate, since you bid me make the 
effort,’’ said Geoffrey, who felt himself restrained 
and awed by the change that had come over her. 
It was as if a goddess had spoken and commanded. 

I will not weary you longer with my troubles, 
about which I ought not to have spoken without 
telling you all. But be sure, dear Kate, your ad- 
vice and sympathy are my chief consolation and 
will sustain me, in the discharge of what you have 
rightly called my duty. Good-by,” added Geof- 
frey, pressing her hand gratefull}^ and respect- 
fully. 

But she seemed neither to hear nor heed ; her 
eyes remained fixed on the ground. 

^^I‘m going now, Kate — leaving for Kew York. 
Do you understand me ? ” 

Yes,” murmured the young* lady, almost in a 
whisper. 

Good-by,” repeated Geoffrey. 

^"Farewell, Geoffrey, farewell,” said Kate, gen- 
tly withdrawing her hand from his w^arm clasp and 
smiling a sad adieu. 

She was still sitting in the same position, ab- 
sorbed in her own thoughts, motionless, when Mrs. 
Sims appeared at the breakfast-room door. She 
had descended the stairs leaning on her son’s arm, 
and’had just taken leave of him. The sad, troubled 
look on the young girl’s face made her pause on the 
threshold a moment. 

‘^^My darling child, what is troubling you?” 
exclaimed the warm-hearted lady, forgetting her 


98 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


own worries at the spectacle of Kate’s silent grief. 

Won’t you confide in me? Let me share your 
troubles ? ” 

She had lightly stepped to Kate’s side, and 
placing one hand around her neck, had drawn the 
young girl’s head lovingly toward her. 

Come, tell me, darling. You know you can 
trust me,” continued Mrs. Sims, in a voice full of 
tender interest. 

But Kate Fisher’s only response was to seize 
Mrs. Sims’s other hand and press it to her lips, 
covering it with the hot tears that, at last, fiowed 
freely, spite of all efforts to restrain them. 

M.y poor child, if I could only comfort you ! ” 
said Mrs. Sims, sinking on her knees by the agi- 
tated girl and caressing her fondly. 

You are sad, my child, at Geoffrey’s depart- 
ure. Isn’t that it ? Come, darling, let us confess 
to each other. He loves you. You love him. 
What is there so terrible in that fact ? He will 
return soon, or we will follow him soon, and all be 
together again, Cheer up, darling, and answer 
me. It is time, is it not ? I confess I have hoped 
and suspected it for some time, but yesterday 
something occurred that convinced me. Tell me 
now with your own lips. Look up and speak to 
me. Make me happy, darling, by owning that the 
dearest wish of m^^ heart is to be realized.” 

I am sorry — oh ! so sorry ! — for I would do 
anything in my power to make you happy — but 
— that — can — never be,” replied the weeping girl, 
raising her eyes with a despairing look. It is 
impossible.” 

Impossible ! ” repeated Mrs. Sims. ^^Impos- 


BLACK FRIDAY, 


99 


sible, child! How can that be? Does not Geof- 
frey love you — did he not ask you to be his wife? 
Can I have been so grievously mistaken ? ” 

The g-irks ag*itation became painful. She could 
only wring- her hands and weep. 

‘‘1 am sure he loves you — sure of it, darling, 
but perhaps you do not ” 

I can never realize your dream — it is impos- 
sible,” sobbed Kate. 

God’s will be done, my child. Love is some- 
thing that cannot be forced. I shall never try to 
influence your heart in that way — not even for 
Geoffrey’s sake,” said Mrs. Sims, mournfull3^ 
But what, then, causes 3^our violent agitation ? 
Let me try to comfort jmu, at least.” 

^^Not even you, dearest and best of mothers, 
can help me. And — oh ! believe me — I am sorry we 
— that is, I cannot make you happy in the way you 
mean,” cried Kate, impulsively throwing her arms 
about the neck of the noble woman at her feet and 
kissing her tenderly. But you must not remain 
there — in that attitude,” added Kate, rising sud- 
denly and forcing Mrs. Sims into the chair, while 
she herself knelt and buried her face in the good 
lady’s lap. 

^•Tell me one thing, my darling, freely and 
frankly — do you love an^^body else? ” asked Mrs. 
Sims, bravely determining to hear the worst at 
once. 

^^Ko one — no one,” answered Kate, in a tone 
that sent a thrill of joy to her listener’s heart. 

Thank God for that I ” she could not help 
exclaiming. ^^All ma}^ yet come right in good 
time.” 


100 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


She kissed the g*irl, embraced her again and 
again, and wept tears of joy. 

But when alone afterward in her own apart- 
ment Mrs. Sims remembered her promise to Kate’s 
dying mother to love and cherish the girl like her 
own child. Mrs. Fisher had been her dearest 
friend, and before her death had begged Mrs. Sims 
to take care of the little orphan. 

She has no relations to look after her welfare, 
and without your protection and care may fall into 
the hands of bad people, more eager to control her 
money than to guard her true interests. You will 
take my darling, won’t you?” the dying mother 
had asked. 

I will love and cherish the little darling as my 
own,” Mrs. Sims had unhesitatingly declared, and 
well had she kept the sacred promise. 

But now she asked herself : Am I doing right 
in cherishing this hope of a union between Kate 
and Geoffrey ? If she does not feel able to recipro- 
cate his love, I must not try to influence her mind 
and heart. Ko, no — that would be w^rong. I would 
be unfaithful to my trust.” 

And the noble-minded lady resolved to commit 
the future of the two young beings, in whom her 
heart was wrapped up, to the guidance of the 
Almighty. Being a profoundly religious woman, 
she mentally exclaimed : To thy care. Almighty 
God, I commit them. Thy will be done.” 


BLACK FRIDAY, 


101 


CHAPTER XIII. 

Meanwhile our young millionaire was being 
whirled to New York, his mind racked by conflict- 
ing thoughts. Kate had commanded him to do his 
duty/’ and the word was still ringing in his ears. 
Hard, bitter wmrd now, and hard, bitter fate before 
him. Yes, whether the suspicion roused hy Fen- 
ton’s note should prove true or not. 

^^The harder the better for me,” he thought. 
If it comes to the worst, duty’s obligations will 
be the more imperative. I shall have to struggle 
with greater energ3^ There will be no time for 
vain regrets.” 

Then the next moment he despised himself for 
the thought. 

What ! have I become so base ! Do I actually 
wish poor Sophie to disgrace herself in order that I 
may haveTio time to think — no time to dream of 
what might have been ? Is that your idea of duty, 
GeofTre3^ ? What a vile wretch Kate would think 
you, if she but knew youv secret thoughts ! ” 

No, he would do his duty manfully. But what 
a future to contemplate. Either a perpetual strugr 
gle to keep a wife from dissipation, and in such a 
degrading form — or a life of secret regret because 
he had married one who could never be as a real 
wife to him, never as a daughter to his mother, and 
whom Kate would only pity or despise. Would 
she not even despise himself ? 

'^Perhaps — perhaps. But still I will do my 


102 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


duty. Yes, I shall at least deserve Kate's respect 
and love, if I cannot keep them.*’ 

The nearer he got to New York the stronger 
grew his good resolution, save in one respect. He 
had reasoned himself into the determination that 
one of the first things he would do after seeing his 
wife would be to write to his mother a full and free 
confession. owe it to mother and to Kate, as 
well as to Sophie, to make this acknowledgment 
public and private,’’ he had said to himself, time and 
again, on the train. But on the eve of his arrival 
he was not so sure that would be wise — in fact, his 
courage was greatlj^ weakened. He was com- 
pletely undecided what he would do. 

He had not warned Fenton of his coming, and 
when he reached his old bachelor quarters his friend 
was not there. He had hoped to see George Fen- 
ton before going to Sophie. A half-formed resolu- 
tion to tell the whole truth to his friend had thus 
induced him to defer his visit to Sophie ; but when 
he found George out, there was nothing left for 
him but to go at once to his wife. 

My wife ! ” thought Geoffre^L ^^How strange 
it seems to me now ! Married for over six months, 
and I am already ashamed — afraid to visit my 
wife.” 

With a heart beating wildly, he knocked at So- 
phie’s door and turned the handle nervously, when 
the words, ^^Come in,” in the well-known voice of 
the goyernor,” reached his ears. 

Geoffrey Smith ! ” exclaimed Mrs. Sands, in 
something like affright, as he crossed the thresh- 
old. The look, the tone of her voice, sent a chill 
to his heart. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


103 


What’s the matter, Mrs. Sands ? My arrival 
seems to alarm you. Is anything wrong ? How is 
Sophie ? Where is she ? ” asked Geoffrey. 

She is quite ill — asleep there in her room. I 
would not disturb her just now,” answered Mrs. 
Sands, nervously. 

Geoffrey sat down with a load on his heart. 
The fear that Sophie was there — in the next room 
— in one of her fits of intoxication, paralyzed his 
tongue. He could not ask the question that strug- 
gled to his lips. Mrs. Sands noticed his emotion, 
but mistook the cause. 

She will be all right in an hour or so. Let her 
sleep, Geoffrey. It is something that sleep will 
cure better than anything else,” she said. There 
is nothing serious the matter. You need not feel 
alarmed. If you come back in a few hours she will 
be all right.” 

Without uttering a word, Geoffrey stood up and 
left, to the amazement of Mrs. Sands, who half sus- 
pected then he had guessed the truth. She shrugged 
her shoulder as he disappeared down the stairway 
and muttered to herself : 

^^It can’t be helped, anyway. If I kept him 
here, he would be sure to learn at once. It is bet- 
ter for him to be out of the way for awhile.” 

The next half-hour Geoffrey spent in his own 
apartments in a state of mind bordering on despair. 
The horror of his position overwhelmed him. All 
his good resolutions were shattered. He felt like 
fleeing from New York and from Sophie forever. 
Only a conviction that such a course would precipi- 
tate an exposure restrained him form departing at 


104 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


once, without waiting to have his suspicions con- 
firmed by an interview with his wife. 

How could he meet Sophie that day with his 
mind in such a whirl ? How could he bear an in- 
terview with her after so long an absence, when 
he knew she would be only recovering from the 
stupor of alcoholic indulgence ? He felt unequal to 
the task, and sat down to write her a brief note tell- 
ing her he was going out of town, but would call on 
her next day, when a noise on the stairs arrested 
his pen, and he stood up with horror in his face 
and nervously watching the door. 

‘^1 tell you I must see him, and I will,’’ were 
the words that assailed his ears. It was Sophie’s 
voice, and the words sent a chill to his heart. 

He strode irresolutely toward the door, and 
opened it just in time to receive Sophie in his arms 
as she tottered forward. 

^^Oh, Geoffrey! — Geoffrey! — I’m so glad you 
are back,” murmured Sophie, in a broken voice. 
The servant who had vainly endeavored to prevent 
her assent paused for a moment in astonishment, 
and only retreated at Groffrey’s silent command 
to close the door. 

Sophie ! Sophie ! this is~a sad way to meet 3^11 
again. How could you do this, Sophie? How 
could 3mu ? ” gasped Geoffrey, in mingled disgust 
and pity. 

The arms tightened about his neck and Sophie’s 
only response, at first, was convulsive sobs and 
tears. 

‘^1 know, Geoffrey — I know what3mu are think- 
ing of. It’s beastly — beastly,” she cried, at last 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


105 


finding words. But I couldn’t help it — I could 
not, indeed, Geoffrey.” 

And she rambled on in maudlin excuses, which 
only revealed more clearly her helpless, irrational 
state. 

Reproaches would have been useless under the 
circumstances, and Geoffrey listened to her pa- 
tiently and gently, until the flood of self-abuse ex- 
hausted itself. After awhile she calmed down, 
became quiet, unwound her arms from his neck and 
with bowed head, murmured : 

You never can forgive me, Geoffrey — never — 
never ? ” 

Yes, I can and do, Sophie, but on two condi- 
tions, which you are hardly in a state to fully com- 
prehend at present,” said Geoffrey. 

What are they ? I will comply with any con- 
ditions. Name them,” replied Sophie, with a sud- 
den display of firmness and determination. 

The first is that you come away with me this 
very night — away from New York at once. You 
must leave Mrs. Sands and come with me,” said 
Geoffrey. 

Oh ! will you take me? Will you forgive me, 
then ? ” pleaded Sophie, in a voice that went to his 
heart. 

Of course, Sophie. A husband should forgive 
and overlook much. You are now my wife and 
must follow me. We will leave here to-night. I 
will go with you, now, to the hotel, where you can 
get ready. The other condition is that you promise 
me you will never touch liquor again without my 
consent.” 

I promise. Ah! I promise and I will keep 


106 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


it/’ sobbed Sophie. Trust me in future. I will 
disgrace neither you nor myself.” 

Geoffrey’s only response was to open his arms, 
embrace the weak, penitent wife and kiss her for 
the first time since their re-meeting. 

When George Fenton reached his quarters late 
in the evening, he found the following brief note 
awaiting him : 

Dear George — I arrived here four hours ago 
from California. Sorry I did not meet you, as I 
had much and important to say. 

Am off again on a brief tour with my wife. Yes^ 
George, it will surprise you to learn I am married, 
and to whom. But for the present it is to be a 
great secret. I know I can trust you. When I 
add‘that my wife is Sophie, you will understand my 
reason for secrecy, and why I go away so sud- 
denly. I will let you know my address, and per- 
haps if I require your friendly advice you will not 
find it onerous to come to me. 

Yours sincerely, G. S. 

The note fell from Fenton’s hands. His face 
had suddenly become pale. 

Well, it’s all over. I hope they will be happj^, 
and I will do all in my power to help them to be so. 
Yes, everything. But what a strange life it is! 
Mrs. Sands’s mystery has been solved.” 

He picked up the note and burned it. 

‘"Well, is it not better, after all, than what I 
half suspected ? Yes, it is all for the best.” 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


107 


CHAPTER XIV. 

George Fenton, for fully two weeks after 
Geoffrey’s sudden arrival and departure, wore a 
graver look than usual. His friends observed him 
in the streets with his fine head of hair covered 
by the easy-fitting hat he always carried. This 
was regarded as an evidence of absent-mindedness, 
for when at his best, free from care or anxiety, 
Fenton, as previously explained, was remarkable 
for his bareheadedness; his hat was then nearl3^ 
always in his left hand and an umbrella in his 
right. Many a smile and good-natured criticism 
this eccentric habit of the broker occasioned. On 
this particular morning George Fenton was walk- 
ing down Fifth avenue abstractedly, looking 
neither .to the right nor left, and unheeding the 
man}^ pleasant smiles cast toward him. His 
attention was all at once aroused, or rather forced, 
by two ladies standing in his path. Mrs. Adlai 
Remsford it was — with her daughter. Miss Ada — ■ 
who thus confronted the broker. 

Upon my word, Mr. Fenton, you are growing 
blind, or you wish to cut your old acquaintances,” 
remarked the elder lady. Which is it ? ” 

beg your pardon, Mrs. Remsford. Good- 
morning, Miss Ada,” answered Fenton. ^^Iwas 
thinking of something that quite absorbed all my 
attention, or I would have been more observant. 
I am delighted to meet you, ladies.” 


108 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


His hat was now in his hand, and the fine head 
of hair in evidence. 

^^You look very grave/^ next observed Mrs. 
Remsford. hope the world is using you well ; 
no bad news, Mr. Fenton, I trust? ’’ 

Thank you ; no.'’ 

Ada thought you must have some kind of 
trouble — 3^ou looked so solemn and preoccupied,’’ 
returned the old lady, glancing at her daughter, 
who at the moment seemed intent upon drawing 
some mysterious signs, vdth the end of her parasol, . 
on the sidewalk. She made no replj^, and Mrs. 
Remsford continued : 

"^Butlneed not tell you we did not bar your 
passage in the public streets to satisfy any idle 
curiosity. You have become such a rare visitor 

that we were glad to meet you even here ” 

The 3^oung lady — a pretty little brunette — now 
looked up quickl^^ and spoke : 

^"■Not to occupy your precious time too much, 
the simple fact is this, Mrs. Geoffrey Sims has 
arrived ” 

Mrs. Sims ! ” cried Fenton, with sudden in- 
terest. 

Yes, ]^rs. Sims has come from Oalifor ” 

^^Oh ! ” interrupted Fenton. "^From California 

— I see. For a moment I supposed ” 

He checked himself suddenly. 

Supposed what?” asked the young* lady in 
some astonishment. 

I supposed— that is to say, I imagined— oh ! 
well, it’s of no consequence — only a foolish idea 
that flashed through my mind. Of course you 
mean his mother has come.” 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


109 


Certainly. Of whom else could we be speak- 
ing ? There is only one Mrs. Sims, I believe, unless 
Mr. Geoffrey himself has a wife,^’ observed the 
elder lady. 

^^Of course — of course,’’ said Fenton, quickly, 
at the same time turning and walking beside the 
ladies. You will allow me to accompany you a 
few blocks? You were saying Geoffrey’s mother 
has arrived.” 

"^Exactly,” returned Mrs. Eemsford. She 
and I are old friends, you know, and as you are 
Geoffrey’s closest associate, we thought Mrs. Sims 
would like to make your acquaintance. Can you 
dine with us to-night ? I suppose you can tell her 
all about Geoffrey’s movements. It seems he has 
been here and gone off somewhere again.” 

Yes, I knew he had been here and left again 
in a great hurrj^ ; but I’m afraid I can give no in- 
formation as to his movements. I did not even see 
him.” 

Indeed!” remarked Miss Ada. That’s 
strange.” 

But you will come, will you not ? ” asked Mrs. 
Eemsford. We may expect ^mu to-night ? ” 

Certainly, with great pleasure,” replied Fen- 
ton, though Miss Ada saw no evidence of extraor- 
dinary delight in his manner of acceptance, which 
she attributed to a reason far from the true one. 

His mother expected to meet Mr. Geoffrey 
here on her arrival ; he was to accompany her 
abroad. But now all she knows of his movements 
is that some horrid business has compelled him to 
go to Canada somewhere, and it seems he will not 


110 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


be back here in time to sail with his mother and 
half-sister/’ Mrs. Remsford explained. 

Half-sister ! I never heard him speak of any 
sister/’ said Fenton, with some show of interest. 

Miss Fisher is neither sister nor half-sister/’ 
said Miss Ada. ^^She is in no wa}" related by 
blood. Miss Fisher is an adopted daug-hter.” 

^"Oh, indeed!” said Fenton. ^-This is all 
news to me. You see I am not half so well in- 
formed about Geoffrey as yourself.” 

A most delightful young lady she is, too — 
very beautiful, but so composed and almost sad- 
looking,” Mrs. Remsford added. 

I will go with real pleasure, and I thank you 
both very much for the invitation. It will be a 
privilege to know his mother and his — sister.” 

Miss Ada thought there was something genuine 
in his manner of acceptance this time, and again 
in her own mind discovered a wrong cause for it. 

It is the sad-looking sister he wishes to meet, ” 
she said to herself with a little sigh. 

And now, ladies, I will occupy your time no 
longer. Expect me at — what hour shall I come ? ” 
asked Fenton. 

^^Six this evening. Good-b}^ Mr. Fenton.” 

Good-by.” 

He bowed and turned, resuming his walk down- 
townward. When they looked back, after a few 
moments, they saw him, hat in hand, striding along 
in his old fashion. 

We took him out of his melancholy mood evi- 
dently/’ observed Mrs. Remsford, smiling. What 
an odd habit that is, carrying his hat in his hand ! 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


Ill 


He is a strangle young man, but ver^^ delightful in 
spite of his eccentricit3^'’ 

Miss Ada looked annoyed, but said nothing. 

When six o’clock arrived Fenton made his ap- 
pearance, radiant in a faultless dress suit, at the 
Remsford residence on Fifth avenue. No trace of 
his solemn mood remained. He was at his best, 
all smiles and full of small talk, so precious to the 
ears of ladies, young and old. 

He was received by Miss Ada with more cor- 
diality than in the morning. The jmung lady was 
quick to observe the changed mood of her visitor 
and delighted to find him more affable and talka- 
tive than he had been for some time. She was ar- 
ra^^ed in a most becoming gown of daffodil silk 
draped over soie de Chine of the same delicate tint ; 
the waist, an odd little jacket of mouse-colored 
velvet trimmed with bands of gold galon. A gir- 
dle of galon also encircled her waist. Altogether 
it was a costume well calculated to set off her good 
points very successfully. She was indeed very 
attractive, though quite petite. 

Fenton’s admiration for the beautiful forced 
from him admiring glances 'that made the young 
girl’s heart bound with pleasure. 

^Wou are more like your old self than you have 
been for a long time, Mr. Fenton,” she observed, 
pulling a little rose from the rich bouquet fastened 
to her corsage. ^^Let me adorn you with a bou- 
tonniere, since you have come unprovided.” 

She stepped toward him and reached for the 
appropriate buttonhole in the lapel of his coat, but 


112 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


it was too high for her, and she laughed with a 
pretty embarrassment. 

^‘1 did not suppose you were so tall/’ she 
said. 

I have never be^ regarded as a giant,” he 
replied, stooping and assuming a semi-kneeling 
posture. But here goes. Now you can fix it.” 

Miss Ada fluttered somewhat, and occupied 
rather more time in arranging the flower than 
would have been the case had she been less nervous 
and excited. But at last she pinned it dexterously. 

There, that looks better,” she murmured; 
‘^now you’re a 3 mung man of the period.” 

^^Man}^ thanks, Miss Ada, for the pretty gift,” 
he responded, with genuine pleasure. It is a beau- 
tiful rose and ” 

Well ? And what ? Why don’t you finish the 
sentence by saying one of the pretty things ^mung 
gentlemen of the period always say to young ladies 
under the circumstances ? ” she asked, archl^^, and 
with a little touch of tenderness in her voice. 

Because I’m afraid I’m not one of the conven- 
tional sort,” said he, slowty. 

^^Do jou mean to say you never flatter, and 
that you have no vanity? ” she asked, with a shade 
of disappointment. 

^^It would not have been flattery had I said 
what was on the point of m,y tongue, which is an 
answer to the first part of your question ; and as 
to the second part, I suppose I have my own share 
of masculine vanity.” 

Ah ! you’re alwa^T's ready to acknowledge 
your own infirmities. I must admit that much,” 
said Miss Ada, completety restored to good humor 


BLACK FEIDAT. 


113 


|>y the delicate compliment implied in Fenton’s 
ipeticence. But I should like to know what the un- 
fettering thing was. What was it you were about 
bo say ? ” 

Nothing unflattering, be sure. Miss Ada/’ 
Then tell me/’ she pleaded. 

But at this point what threatened to be a senti- 

E ntal tete-a-tete was interrupted by the advent of 
s. Remsford, followed by Mrs. Sims and Miss 
[Fisher and Mr. Remsford himself. After the for- 
Imalities of introduction, he found himself monopo- 
lized by Mrs. Sims, the two young ladies chattering 
together apart. He found no difficulty in evading 
■troublesome questions from Geoffrey’s mother, 
who, though so anxious to learn something about 
'her son’s mysterious business, never for a moment 
; suspected Fenton of suppression or prevarication. 

1 She was quite charmed by his manners, and found 
' great comfort in the fact that her son had chosen 
such an entirely proper and well-informed com- 
panion, as his closest friend, in the city of great 
temptations. 

The company was small, Mr. Remsford and 
Fenton being the only gentlemen present. The 
dinner was served on a round table, and Fenton 
found himself between the two Remsford ladies. 
Miss Fisher was at the left of the host in such a 
position that Fenton could study her reflned face 
ad libitum without appearing to do so. 

To-night we are en famille,” said Mrs. Rems- 
ford ; entirely so. You see we make no stranger 
of you.” 

^^It is delightful to think so,” said Fenton, 
modestlyo One likes so much to feel at home.” 


114 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


At such a table there is little chance for tete-a- 
tfites. The conversation of one must be for all, ; 
and yet Miss Ada found means of conveying* little 
side remarks to Fenton, unheard by the rest of the i 
company. Fenton did not appear to observe the i 
confidential tones of the young* lady, though at ; 
times and unconsciously his responses were almost | 
as confidential and subdued as her own. Miss Ada i 
was delighted and felt she had at last awakened a 
sympathetic chord in the young broker’s heart. ! 

As to Fenton himself, the one thing that chiefiy ' 
impressed him was the quiet, lady -like reserve of 
Miss Fisher. Yes, it was quite true what Mrs. 
Remsford had said this morning. There is a strain 
of sadness somewhere in that lovely face. I won- 
der what can have caused it ? Singular, Geoffrey 
never chanced to mention this beautiful creature. 

I should so like to have a little tete-a-tete with 
her.” 

Such \vere Fenton’s musings, and before the 
pleasant evening came to a close the opportunity 
to exchange with her a few words apart from the 
rest was afforded him. He observed her standing 
alone by a little table, looking over the pages of an 
autograph album. 

Are you fond of autograph collections?” he 
asked, approaching her. 

The book closed with a suddenness that made 
the 3"oung man suspect Miss Fisher desired to con- 
ceal whatever she might have been reading. The 
impression was deepened when he noticed the fiush 
on her face, as she turned toward him. 

hope I have not interrupted you, Miss 
Fisher,” he remarked, rather bunglingly betray- 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


115 


\g his observation of the young* lady’s embarrass- 
ment. 

‘'^N’ot in the least, Mr. Fenton. I am very glad 
have a fevr moments of your time/*’ she an- 
ijwered, sweetly. You are Geoffrey’s good friend, 
jiud I am very glad to be interrupted.” 

1 He never told me about you. Miss Fisher. I 
^jhlDk I have cause to complain about him on that 
iicore,” said Fenton. 

i That was quite natural. He had not seen me 
:^or many years when he left San Francisco, and he 
^id not even know I bad returned to his mother’s 
tore when you met him in New York.” 

I Ah ! that puts another aspect on the matter, 
t thought it was rather odd, you know,” remarked 
'enton. 

^^Does he often come here? I suppose he has 
i)een a frequent visitor at this house ? ” 

Fenton noticed that while she spoke her eyes 
^’ested on the album, and he could not help con- 
necting the autograph book, somehow, with the 
uestion. 

Yes, this house is one of the few where Geof- 
re}^ and I alwaj’^s found it pleasant to come,” he 
nswered. 

She is very beautiful. I mean Miss Rems- 
ford. Don’t you think so?” asked the young 
dy, with a little catch in her throat. 

Yes, indeed, I heartily echo that sentiment,” 
eturned Fenton. His words were certainly warm, 
but there was no genuine enthusiasm in his voice. 

don’t wonder Geoffrey admired her so 
'much,” said Miss Fisher. 

Fenton was somewhat surprised at this re- 


116 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


mark. He could not remember that Geoffrey had j 
ever shown conspicuous admiration for the prettj j 
little brunette. He would like to have asked Miss 
Fisher why she had made such a remark, but just 
then Mr. Remsford approached and carried off 
Kate for a g*ame of chess she had promised. 
When he observed the two fairly seated at the 
game, he turned over the leaves of the album un- 
til he came to a page on which Geoffrey had 
written a few lines complimentary of Miss Ada’s 
beauty and amiability. 

^^Dear me ! dear me ! can this be the cause? ” 
said he, as a new idea shot through his mind. 

Geoffrey, Geoffrey, you have made a great mis- 
take, I fear. What sad pranks so-called Fate 
plays at times ! Ah ! well it is too late for both 
of us now.” 

His fingers remained on the lines Geoffrey had 
written months before^ when Miss Ada appeared 
at Fenton’s side. She noticed in a moment where 
Fenton’s fingers lay, and the absent, rather sad 
expression on his face. It gave her an exquisite 
thrill of joy. George is jealous of Geoffrey,” 
was her quick conclusion. 

You have always deferred writing something 
in my autograph album, Mr. Fenton,” she ob- 
served, sweetly. I won’t permit it any longer. 
You must — you really must to-night. Write some 
thing now.” 

She handed him a pen. 

I don’t think I could do justice to the subject 
to-night. Postpone it till my next visit. Then I 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


117 



ill come primed, ready to write the handsomest 


>rt of things.’’ 

Miss Ada was not a bit put out by the refusal. 


I IQuite the contrary. She imputed it to a tinge of 
I /jealousy on his part— jealousy caused by the lines 


Written by Geoffrey Sims. 

I ^^This is delightful,” she thought to herself. 
IjThen aloud she added: ^^Well, if you w^on’t, you 
Won’t, Mr. Fenton. I can’t force you. But re- 
member you are not to beg off next time.” 

I When Fenton took his departure Mrs, JRcms- 
ford noticed that he had again become solemn- 
looking. So did Miss Ada ; but not with the 
[heart-sore feeling with which she had observed it 
before. 


I I know the cause,” she said, and I am 

happy.” 


George Fenton when he took her hand to say 
good-night ’’ was almost sure he felt a little 
pressure different from any he had ever before 
received from a young lady. 

And it did not make him feel happier. 


118 


BLACK FRIDAY, 


CHAPTER XV. 

After waiting two weeks in the hope that 
Geoffrey would join them, Mrs. Sims and Kate 
sailed away alone, without even the consolation of 
being able to bid him good-by, save by letter. But 
his promise to follow them soon was, at least, some- 
thing, and helped to soften his mother’s deep dis- 
appointment. To George Fenton — who, of course, 
did his very best to supply Geoffrej^’s absence — the 
old lady said, just before the steamer departed : 

I feel you are a true friend to my son, Mr. 
Fenton. Be his friend always. I hope this busi- 
ness is nothing serious, but I am sure you will 
always be a safe guide to him should he ever need 
guidance. Urge him to follow us quickl^^, and if 
you can accompany him jmurself, so much the 
better, dear Mr. Fenton. We will be delighted to 
see you. Good-by, and God bless you.” 

Dear old lady,” thought George. I wonder 
how long she will have to wait for Geoffrey’s 
business to end — how long before ^ sister Kate ’ will 
be gladdened by his presence. Ah ! what a sad, 
sad business it is, all the way through.” 

In truth, it was a good six months before even 
George himself again met Geoffrey, and a long, 
weary year before the son, so earnestly longed for, 
joined his mother in E^^ope. She was in Spain 
with Kate at the time^^To Geoffrey himself it 
seemed strange that no questions were asked him 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


119 


r.bout the mysterious business important enough to 
cause such a long separation. Was this through 
Kate’s contrivance — by Kate, who, in some way had 
iiduced his mother to betray no curiosity on the 
' subject — never, in fact, to refer to it ? He believed 
ij must be due to her thoughtful considerateness. 
Of one thing he was sure : she did detect the signs, 
iiard as he tried to conceal them from all the world, 
of the secret anguish he was suffering. Her man- 
jier toward him was touchingly delicate, partaking 
of more than a mother’s solicitude and a sister’s 
gentle tenderness. She seemed to divine the kind 
of silent, unspoken sympathy that was good for 
lim — to know instinctively alv/ays the best way to 
•nake their intercourse easy and unrestrained with- 
out seeking or repelling confidences. Indeed, after 
iwhile he did not even try to hide the fact that 
he was a prey to secret and harassing anxieties. 
It was a great comfort to him to be able to throw 
olT the mask in her presence— to feel he was in no 
danger of prying curiosity from her knowledge of 
ll^is troubled state of mind. When she thought he 
ji ►referred silence, she remained quietly in his pres- 
I' nee, plying her needle in some feminine work or 
t Contentedly looking over some book. When, he 
;iieemed eager to talk, she was full of all sorts of 
pretty devices to enable him to drown care in tem- 
porary forgetfulness. 

’ Her unerring instinct made her at times more 
I than half guess the cause of Geoffrey’s grief, but 
\ she recoiled from it whenever it obtruded itself. 
There was a woman in the case, she was certain, 
though it was not Ada Remsford, as she had at one 
time — only for a little while, however — supposed. 


120 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


^^Time will tell — time will tell,” she always, 
ecded exclaiming. Perhaps the reality may 
not be so terrible as I suppose.” 

So they traveled on and on, until finally they 
left Europe from a Spanish port, intending before 
returning to the States to visit the West Indies, 
Mexico and perhaps South America. Mrs. Sims 
had a longing to see her San Francisco home again, 
but so long as Kate and Geoffrey wished to remain 
abroad, she would utter no word of dissent. Their 
pleasure and happiness were her law, and she noted 
with pleasure that Geoffrey always assented at 
once to any plan proposed by Kate. The relations 
of the two puzzled her. She could find no key to 
the explanation. 

It was at the end of two years that the little 
part3^ reached Mexico — the capital itself — after a 
few pleasant weeks in the tierras calientes. To 
Mrs. Sims and Kate it was old Spain again with 
Indian variations, but variations of the deepest 
interest, and the refined young ]^dy seemed to ad- 
mire even the half-civilized Aztecs in all their dirt 
and squalor. The.y are picturesque,” she would 
exclaim — the most picturesque people we have 
met in all our travels.” 

It was here, in the capital of Mexico, that she 
persuaded Geoffrey finally to treat her to a bull- 
fight exhibition. There was to be a displa3’' b}^ 
amateurs for some charitable purpose and all the 
fashionable world was to behold the exhibition of 
skill to be made bj^ a band of .young swells who 
yearned to emulate the daring performances of 
professionals. So Geoffrej^ secured a box and in- 
vited manj^ American friends to share it with him. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


121 


His mother would not go, bub in her place went 
several ladies to keep Kate in good countenance. 

don't suppose there will be much blood- 
letting anjdiow/’ Geoffrey said to himself. These 
amateurs, I fancy, will only serve up a little comedy 
that will make Kate laugh.’’ 

The scene of the intended exploits was an im- 
mense coliseo close by the PaSeo de Reforma, Mex- 
ico’s most fashionable drive and promenade ground. 
When Geoffrey, with Kate and the rest of their 
party, entered the immense wooden structure, every 
seat, as well as everj^ inch of standing-room in * Sol 
and Sombra, was taken. The boxes were filled with 
elegantly dressed ladies, young and old, frightfully 
powdered and painted, attended by husbands, 
brothers and beaus, whose eyes sparkled with a 
sort of fierce expectancy of the bloody pleasures 
soon to be enjoyed. Even the ladies displayed some 
of this fierce exaltation, many of whom Geoffre}^ 
had met before, and whose subdued, modest de- 
portment in their own homes had invested them, in 
his eyes, with a peculiar charm. How was it pos- 
sible, he asked himself, that such refined ladies 
could find pleasure in the barbarous sports of the 
bull-ring ? He could not understand it, and — much 
as he loved and respected Kate — he could not quite 
pardon her curiosity to view what he considered a 
debasing spectacle. 

It was a vast and picturesque throng that Kate 


* Sol and Sombra are used to denote the sun and shade divi- 
sions of a bull -ring. The Sombra, or shade division, comprises 
the lower seats and boxes patronized by the aristocracy. The 
Sol, or sun, is the upper division, mainly occupied by the Indian 
admirers of the bloody sport. 


122 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


Fisher beheld. The immensity of the building it- 
self impressed her. The surging crowds, the music, 
the buzz of conversation in French, German, Span- 
ish, English and Aztec, the shouting and hurrahing, 
waving of hats and handkerchiefs, and wild gesticu- 
lating peculiar to all the Latin races under unusual 
excitement, bewildered and almost startled her for 
a few moments. But she soon recovered her wmnted 
composure and regarded with peculiar interest the 
mass of half-clad Indian spectators crammed into 
the upper division of the coliseo, very appropriately 
called Sol (sun), since there vras not a spot therein 
where the great luminary did not pour down his 
hot rays in full force on the thoughtless aborigines 
in their flaring , zarapes rebosos and all manner of 
sombreros. All the colors of the rainbow were 
therein blended, and Sol, in her eyes, resembled a 
sort of barbaric crown to the vast circular ediflce 
dedicated to the national sport. 

While she was still gazing at the mass of Aztec 
devotees, the bugle sounded a command for the 
music to cease. A stillness at once came over the 
great assemblage ; all eyes were turned toward 
the spot from which would issue the performers. 
The doors swung open, and the amateur, cuadrilla, 
in gorgeous costume, burst into the ring, smiling 
and bowing gracefully to the spectators. Then 
followed other bugle blasts, and Kate^s heart beat 
fast as she observed the first bull rush madly into 
the ring, quivering with the pain inflicted by the 
three darts thrust into his shoulders as he rushed 
through the entrance gate. 

The infuriated beast ran hither and thither 
seeking someone to gore and tear in revenge for 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


123 


the sharp wounds already inflicted. The cuadrilla 
scattered in every direction, but returned again 
and again to flaunt their scarlet capas before the 
poor brute’s eyes, thus enraging it more and more. 
The bull plunged and tore madlj^, sometimes al- 
most overtaking and impaling on his horns one 
of the rash tormentors. But the daring amateurs 
were light and active, and always managed to 
dodge behind the large wooden screens or to 
vault over the barriers in the very nick of time. 
The spectacle fascinated the young girl ; she 
scarcely breathed as she followed every variation 
in the dangerous sport. 

At first it was only the play of the capas, 
the waving of the red shawls to excite the bull. 

Then followed the play of the dart-piercers, 
called bandillereros. Each performer holding a 
dart in each hand gets in front of the bull, inviting 
him to advance. The bull accepts and plunges 
forward ; so does the man, who, just as a collision 
seems inevitable, nimbly slips to one side, while the 
bull has his head lowered to attack, and drives the 
two darts into the animal’s neck or shoulders. It 
is a very dangerous part of the sport — particularly 
for amateurs. Kate experienced a decided tremor 
every time she observed one of the amateurs pre- 
paring for this feat. But each and everyone es- 
caped without a scratch, though most of. them were 
not ver}^ successful in their thrusts. 

Next came the mounted picadores, men clad in 
thick leathern coats and trousers, armed with long 
spears, and riding the most wretched-looking steeds 
ever seen outside of an equine hospital. Their busi- 
ness is to still further enrage the bull by prodding 


124 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


him with their long* spears. The animal generally 
turns away from the horseman when he feels the 
spear’s point in his flesh, but sometimes he presses 
forward in spite of pain, and with his cruel horns 
imbedded in the poor horse’s body, overturns both 
steed and rider. Then woe to the picador if the 
capas are slow or timid. A moment’s delaj^ in at- 
tracting the bull’s attention from prostrate horse 
and ridhr, by the waving of their flaming red cloaks, 
would mean death to the unlucky picador. For the 
disemboweled horse there is no pity ; he is forced 
to his legs again with his entrails hanging out, and 
would you believe it, gentle readers ? — once more 
spurred before the bull to withstand the savage 
assault. This horrible part of the spectacle was 
not wanting at the amateur display. Kate closed 
her eyes at the flrst sight of the poor wounded 
horse, and clutched Geoffrey’s arm involuntarily. 

He had seen it all before and did not mind this 
repetition. He knew also that the best way was to 
allow her to remain with closed eyes, until the spear 
play would be over. To attempt to take her away 
during its continuance would be to bring under her 
eyes again the horrible spectacle she wished to 
avoid. But when the picadores had withdrawn and 
he told her she might again open her eyes, the 
shout of Kill, kill ” in Spanish, that went up all 
around her attracted her attention again to the 
ring. The bull seemed to be at rest — standing 
with his back up against the barrier, and looking 
all about as if seeking some way to escape the fur- 
ther torture. A handsome, well-formed young fel- 
low was in the middle of the ring, with a sword in 
his hand, bowing respectfully before one of the 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


125 


boxes, in which was the President of the Republic, 
accompanied by his wife and members of his cabi- 
net. 

That is the espada,’’ said Geoffrey. He is 
the one who will give the death-thrust to the bull. 
Will you go now, or wait ? ’’ 

I couldn’t leave now, Geoffrey,” replied Kate, 
faintly. She was quite pale and seemed ready to 
faint. 

I think I had better carry you out,” he said, 
in alarm. ^‘1 feared this would be too much for 
you.” 

^"No, no; don’t mind now. I suppose it will 
soon be over. I don’t mind the rest.” 

As you v/ish, Kate,” he replied, taking one of 
her hands. 

Meantime, the espada had thrown his hat gayly 
into the air and taken a capa in his left hand, 
throwing it partly over his left shoulder, so tliat it 
ran over his arm like a shield. Then he clutched 
his sword firmly and partiall^^ concealed the blade 
under his capa. He advanced toward the bull, 
which w^as still resting against the barrier, the 
blood trickling from a dozen cruel wounds received 
from spears and darts. The brute had the same 
weary, anxious look of wishing to avoid any more 
encounters. But he did not budge. 

The success of the sword-thrust depends upon 
the movements of the bull. He must be awa^^ 
from the barrier, so that the espada may have 
every opportunity to dodge any quick buck from 
the terrible horns, and, if need be, get behind a con- 
venient screen or over the barrier. As this bull 


126 


BLACK FRIDAY. 

would not be provoked by the maneuvers of the 
swordsman alone, the capas were agU;in brought 
into requisition and the animal was thus finally 
coaxed to the middle of the ring. Then the espada 
advanced without a falter at a quick run, and the 
bull, as if realizing the supreme moment had come, 
lowered his head and pawed* the ground angrily. 
The would-be executioner got within about twenty 
paces of the brute before it showed a disposition to 
charge. Then quickly it darted forward. It seemed 
that no man could escape that fierce plunge, but 
the young swordsman dodged nimbly to one side 
without receiving a scratch, only smiling at the 
bull’s stupidity. A burst of applause rewarded the 
young man and spurred him to still more daring 
feats. Again and again he provoked the bull’s 
furious onslaught until at length the cry of ^^Kill, 
kill” broke forth anew. The crowd had had a sur» 
feit of his skill as a dodger and clamored now for 
some show of his proficiency in the fatal thrust. 
The 3^oung fellow took the hint and approached the 
bull for the final stroke. On he rushed ; forward 
to meet him came the bull with furious speed. 
Down vrent the two horns to transfix the swords- 
man, while at the same instant, by a quick move- 
ment to one side, the man was able to make a 
vigorous thrust with his espada. He missed his 
aim, the weapon fell from his hand, and at the 
same moment he stumbled to the ground. 

A cry of horror arose, for the bull had turned 
at once to charge on the prostrate youth. Kate 
clutched again Geoffrey’s arm: her head swam; 
she closed her eyes, and then fainted. Geoffrey 
took her in his arms, and, with all the tumult and 


BLACK FKIDAY. 


127 


uproar ringing in his ears, bore her safely out the 
building. 


CHAPTER XVI. 

It must have been a terrible shock the young 
girl received, for it was not until she had been car- 
ried to the hotel and placed on her bed that she 
fully recovered consciousness. Mrs. Sims was bend- 
ing over her tenderly, and Geoffrey standing at the 
head of the bedstead where he could not be seen, 
when she re-opened her eyes. 

Where is he, mother? Where is he? Is he 
hurt? Oh ! tell me — tell me,^’ murmured Kate. 

Who, darling ? ’’ asked Mrs. Sims. 

Geoffrey — Geoffre}^ of course,’’ was the ter- 
rified response. 

I am here — quite safe — why should I be hurt?” 
answered Geoffrey, approaching. 

Kate impulsively seized his hand and drew him 
toward her. His head rested lightly on her bosom, 
with her hand about his neck, as she sobbed : 

Oh ! thank God ! ” 

Mrs. Sims shed tears of joy herself over what 
she beheld — the involuntary display of Kate’s long- 
hidden love for her son. 

Thank God, indeed ! ” murmured the old lady 
to herself. 

Suddenly Kate seemed to remember herself. 
The pallor of her cheeks gave place to deep blushes. 
She released Geoffrey’s head and covered her face 
with her hands. 

^“^You were confused,” said Geoffrey, gently. 


128 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


I know^ of course, what you meant. You were 
thinking* of the poor young fellow in the bull-ring. 
He was not killed, Kate — only a little hurt by his 
fall. His companions saved him in time."^ 

Her color only deepened at this ready effort of 
Geoffrey’s to extricate her from the consequences 
of her own tell-tale acts, and Geoffrey, in order to 
relieve her confusion as much as possible, quietly 
withdrew from the room. 

Mrs. Sims walked to the side of the bed and 
clasped Kate in a warm embrace. 

My darling Kate — my own sweet loving 
daughter,” she exclaimed. 

Oh ! mother ! mother ! What have I done 
othing, darling; lie back there and rest. 
Close your eyes, and you will soon regain calm- 
ness.” 

Mrs. Sims followed her son to the adjoining 
room. He was standing at the wihdow, looking 
out, and turned quickly as his mother approached. 
He saw her dear face radiant with the realization, 
at last, of what her heart had so long wished for. 
Her warm, motherly kiss only made the despair at 
his heart deeper. 

I have long prayed for this hour, my son. 
God has at last heard my prayers.” 

She was terrified by the agonized tones of his 
voice as he exclaimed : 

Oh ! mother ! mother ! ” 

What can you mean, my son ? Do you not 
love her in return ? ” 

I must not — I dare not. Oh ! mother, ask 
no questions now.” 

Geoffrey ! Geoffrey ! my son ! ” 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


129 


Wonder, fear, pity and love were all commingled 
in the look with which she regarded him, standing 
before her with bowed head — the picture of misery 
and despgsir. Her heart sank within her, as a sud- 
den painful thought passed through her mind ; yet 
she reached for his hand and drew him toward her. 

son, the time for concealment has passed. 
Tell me all — for my sake — for your own — for 
hers/’ 

I do love her, mother, with all my heart. I 

know she loves me in return — but — but ” 

Greoffrey, are you already married ? Only that 
could prevent your marriage with Kate.” 

His silence was enough. She read the truth in 
his downcast look. Some terrible moments elapsed 
before she gathered courage to say : 

You are, then, secretly married. I won’t say 
you have deceived me, Geoffrey — but you have not 
thought your mother worthy of your confidence. 

Oh ! my son, my son ” 

Mother, indeed you wrong me there. It v/as 
not that — no, nothing of that kind. It was only to 
save you from sorrow and — and — shame ! ” 

Shame, Geoffrey ! Shame ! Oh, God ! what 
new misfortune is this ? ” 

He was about to answer — to tell all in a head- 
long, excited way — when a knock came to the door 
and a servant entered, bearing a cablegram. Geof- 
frey opened it hurriedly and read : 

Belle Sanders fatally wounded j^-esterday in 
railway accident in Canada. G. F.” 

He staggered and almost fell. The message 
dropped from his hands. 


130 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


Read it, mother — read it/’ he exclaimed, in a 
choking voice, pointing to the cablegram. 

Who is Belle Sanders — not your — ^your wife ? ” 
asked Mrs. Sims, quickly. 

^Wes, mother — my wife — dead — dead,” he an- 
swered, solemnly. His face was of an ashen hue, 
and his whole frame shook convulsively. 

And such an awful death ! I far, far away 
from her, too — I who should have watched and 
guarded her — who should never have left her side.” 

Mrs. Sims knew that such grief as her son’s 
could only be caused by some terrible secret his- 
tory. But she felt it was not the time to seek its 
disclosure, and remained silently at Geoffrey’s 
side, stroking his hand lovingly. 

It is full time, however, to enlighten the reader 
as to the sad events that followed Geoffrey Sims’s 
disappearance from ITew York with his young wife 
before his mother’s departure for Europe. 

Both Sophie and Geoffrey were earnestly re- 
solved to live only for each other from the moment 
of their reconciliation in West Eleventh street. 
Their honeymoon in Canada was without a flaw, 
and he found so much to admire in his wife, so 
many unexpected good qualities, that he ceased to 
regard that duty ” recommended to him by Kate 
Fisher so pathetically as a task either very dis- 
agreeable or difficult to perform. Indeed, for 
awhile he fully believed there was to be more 
mutual sympathy and happiness in store for them 
than he had dared to hope when leaving San Fran- 
cisco. 

What a pity the unalloyed bliss of the first few 
weeks of their married life could not continue for- 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


131 


ever ! But in Geoffrey’s case there happened what 
alwa3"S befalls in cases of unequal matches. The 
critical stage slowly set in, but very surely, and he 
began to notice, with regret, the remarkable differ- 
ences between the manners of his mother and of 
Sophie. His wife, bright and quick-witted thougli 
she was— with all her capacity to imitate — had not, 
somehow, cultivated the refinements of social life so 
easily within her reach. At times he found hei 
unconventional ways very inconvenient and dis- 
agreeable. He tried to change them by gentle 
hints. He never lost patience, but he did permi: 
himself occasionally to show signs of depression of 
spirits, which Sophie naturally enough attributed 
to the true cause. Whenever he felt disposed to- 
ward melancholy, he would go out alone on some 
shallow pretext, and work off the fit of depression 
by some vigorous exercise. He did not fail to 
notice on his return how dispirited Sophie also ap- 
peared. Then he would experience savage pangs 
of remorse, and strive by redoubled attentions and 
tendernesses to dispel her gloom and sadness. 

Geoffrey Sims, for all his manly ways and good 
intentions, was lamentably weak in some respects. 
It was a weakness that very often develops in the 
children of nouveaux riches — extravagantly morbid 
sensitiveness on the subject of social equality. He 
attached altogether too much importance to the 
solecisms committed b^^ Sophie — he dreaded the mo- 
ment when he would have to present her to his 
mother — and above all to Kate. 

Certainly he had another and more satisfying 
reason to his own mind for deferring the acknowl- 
edgment of his marriage. That was to test fully 


132 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


the streng‘th of Sophie’s resolution to fulfill her 
promise of abstention from wine. He overlooked 
all the time the one important fact, that he owed a 
higher duty to Sophie herself than to mother, or 
Kate, or selfish personal pride ; that it was her 
right to have the marriage publicly proclaimed, 
whatever might be the consequences to anj^body 
else. If he had been truly wise, he would have 
known that Sophie’s best hope of firmness and 
safety would have been the society and example of 
his own noble-minded mother and her adopted 
daughter. He would have understood also, that 
Kate Fisher’s nature was not of the feeble sort — 
that her strength of character and rectitude of 
purpose would have supported her, even under 
such a severe blow as his own marriage with an- 
other. 

During the periods of mutual depression, So- 
phie almost always pleaded with him to take her 
to his mother and put an end to all further secrecy 
about their marriage. He was weak enough to 
promise readily, but not strong enough to perform, 
and it naturally resulted that Sophie grew sadder 
and sadder after each disappointment, which she 
could only attribute to one cause— unwillingness 
to acknowledge her as his lawful wife. 

Some six or eig'ht months after his mother’s 
departure for Europe, a circumstance occurred 
that precipitated a most deplorable disclosure of 
his real state of mind. 

Sophie had grown more and more depressed, 
and longed exceedingl}^ for some friendly ears into 
which to pour the anguish of her soul. Of whom 
could she think more naturally at such a time than 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


133 


of her former companion and friend, Mrs. Sands ? 
She wrote to her one morning- in the heig-ht of one 
of her periods of anguish, inviting her to spend a 
few weeks with her in Canada. An answer accept- 
ing the invitation arrived sooner than Sophie ex- 
pected. It frightened her at first, and she hesitated 
to inform her husband. But as it was absolutely 
necessary to tell him, she summoned up the neces- 
sary courage at last. 

You have asked her to come without consult- 
ing me, Sophie ? asked Geoffrey, in disma3^ 

^^Yes, Geoffrey; but I had no idea you would 
object.^ You seem completely annoyed. Oh ! Geof- 
frey", I am very sorry.” 

I am annoyed, Sophie, for I don’t think she is 
a good companion for you. You must* write to 
her not to come at all,” said Geoffrey, precipi- 
tately. 

^^bh! Geff, how can I do such a thing?” 
pleaded Sophie, with tears in her eyes. ""^She is 
my oldest and best friend.” 

I know, dearest, and I want to be very kind 
to her on that account. But now you are my wife, 
and I must consider you and myself above even 
your oldest and best friend, Sophie. It is unad vis- 
able altogether to resume your former relations 
with her. I will make a comfortable allowance for 
her, so that she may never want for anything ; but 
you and she must not meet again, Sophie, and it 
is better to discontinue your correspondence hence- 
forth,” said Geoffrey, with great firmness. 

^^It is too late, Geoffrey, she will be here to- 
night. Oh ! for my sake, let her come this time, 
Geoffrey, and we will gradually break up our in- 


134 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


timacy. It will be cruel to cut her after inviting 
her.” 

Geoffrey kissed the weeping eyes^ and replied 
gently : 

Sophie^ for your own sake, darling, I must be 
cruel this time and deny your request. You love 
me, I am sure, and our own society ought to be 
enough for us a very long time yet. Ask me any- 
thing else under the sun, and I will grant it. But 
this cannot be, Sophie. She is a dear, good wo- 
man, Mrs. Sands, but not a safe guide, companion 
or friend for you, now, my dear.” 

Oh ! Geff, what shall I do ? How shall I 
notify her? It is impossible,” cried Sophie, re^ 
belliously. 

Never mind about that part, Sophie. I will 
manage it all. Don’t worry. Leave everything 
to me,” was the placid but firm answer of her 
husband. 

He went out quickly, noticing her terrible de- 
pression and yet a certain brilliance in her e^^es 
that he remembered but too well having observed 
before. He felt somewhat alarmed, but 3"et he 
firmlj’' believed he was doing what was best for 
Sophie as well as for himself. 

How he managed it need not be related here, 
but Mrs. Sands’s visit was not made to the pretty 
little furnished house the young Sims couple 
inhabited in the city of Montreal. When Geoffrey 
— his heart full of tender solicitude for the wife 
whose pleasure he had been compelled to interrupt 
— reached the house, he hurried to the little sitting- 
room. It was empty. 


BLACK FRIDAY, 


135 


Where is your mistress?’’ lie demanded of 
the servant-maid. 

Please, sir, I think she is not well and has 
gone to bed,” was the answer. 

With a vague apprehension he ascended to his 
wife’s sleeping apartment, and stole toward the 
large, old-fashioned canopied bedstead, the curtains 
of which he drew aside nervously. Sophie v/as 
partly disrobed and sleeping. She was breathing 
heavily and her cheeks stained with tears. The 
3mung husband’s soft heart was at once melted to 
tenderness. 

I ^^Poor girl ! t have been too severe with her. 
The trial was too much. But it is all for her own 
good,” he exclaimed. 

And he bent forward to kiss her tear-stained 
cheek. Almost immediately he drew back in dis- 
may, for the odor he detected filled him with 
I disgust, changing loving tenderness to hot indig- 
f nation. 

Ah ! fallen again ! She has broken her 
promise — yielded again to the terrible tempta- 
tion ! ” 

Muttering thus, in a louder tone than he sup- 
posed, he paced the room in a state of mind border- 
ing on despair. He had fondly hoped her cured of 
the lamentable weakness, but now his hopes were 
dashed forever. Was his life to be a perpetual 
struggle to shield her from temptation ? Was it 
decreed that ail his own unselfish devotion — marry 
ing her against judgment and interest and all — 
was onl.y to receive such reward as this? 

Forgetful of the fact that Sophie was lying only 
a few feet away, and might overhear his impas- 


136 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


sioiied and not altogether just explosions of indig- 
nant reproaches against fate, he continued for some 
time to give free vent to the long pent-up thoughts. 
At last^ phj^sically and mentally exhausted, he sat 
down before the blazing wood fire and gazed into 
it vacantly. Suddenly he felt a light pressure on 
his shoulder, and, turning quickly, beheld Sophie 
at his side. She was weeping, but yet her voice 
sounded firm and clear as she said : 

Geoffrey, you are right. I am not fit to be 
your wife. Let me go away, then. You shall be 
as free as if yon never had married me ! 

Sophie ! ’’ he exclaimed. Oh ! Sophie ! You 
have been listening to me — have heard all my de- 
spairing muttering ? ’’ 

‘^Enough, at least, to know that you do not 
really love me as a wife should be loved — that I am 
only an obstacle to your happiness — that you would 
be better separated from me — that your marriage 
was a great mistake for us both — that you would 
like to be free from the yoke of a drunken wife 

^^Stop, stop, Sophie, you must not say such 
things. I will not listen to them,’’ shouted Geof- 
frey, again yielding to the generous impulse of his 
nature. 

^^It is too late — too late, Geoffrey. I haYe 
heard from your own lips the secret thought of 
your soul, which only confirm suspicions that hum- 
bled me before our marriage. The suspicions were 
lulled to sleep by our happy honeymoon ” — Sophie 
was weeping bitter tears — but now they are rudel3^ 
re-awakened, and I cannot live as your wife on suf- 
ferance an}^ longer. 1 am a weak, foolish, irreso- 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


137 


lute woman with whom you never could he happy, 
Geoffrey, and I will not stand in your way.^’ 

Sophie! Sophie! — be silent. Hush I the serv- 
ants will hear you. You have- been dreaming a 
wild dream. Go to bed now, and sleep. You will 
awake with better thoughts. We will both laugh 
over your dreams to-morrow,’’ said Geoffrey, 
taking the feverish hand and leading her to the 
bed. 

Sophie shook her head sadly, but made no re- 
sistance. She listened in silence with closed eyes 
to the penitent entreaties of her young husband, to 
dismiss from her mind forever the gloomy thoughts 
and suspicions that possessed her. When she 
seemed to be asleep again, Geoffrey marveled at 
the strange turn events had taken. Somehow he 
had been put on the defensive instead of his wife. 
It was he who sued for pardon in the end — he who 
made light of his^ wife’s grievous error, and tried 
to convince her that what he had uttered was only 
the fantastic creations of her own dreams I He 
could not put out of sight the fact that he had been 
strangely weak and irresolute himself in condon- 
ing so foolishly her great fault. The thought made 
him hot and angry again, and instead of going to 
bed, he took refuge in his little smoking-room, 
where, reclined on a soft lounge with his feet 
wrapped in a hnge buffalo rug, 

“ Tired Nature’s sweet restorer, balmy sleep,” 

came to him, and he slumbered soundly till long 
past his usual hour for waking. 

When he entered his wife’s chamber she had 


138 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


gone. A letter, stained with tears, addressed to 
himself was on the table. He took it and read as 
follows : 

Dear Geoffrey — It is best that we part — 
best for you and for me. You have never really 
loved me. I have never been to you what a wife 
should be. I have been foolish, weak and — you 
know what I mean. After what I heard last nigh^ 
from your own lips, when you did not think I wa; 
listening, I realize I could only be a bar to youi 
happiness. You have made our marriage a secret 
fortunately. Let it remain so. farewell, Geof- 
frey. Farewell forever, my dear husband. 

Sophie* 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


139 


CHAPTER XVII. 

An unscrupulous man would have rejoiced over 
fche desertion of an unloved wife. But Geoffrey 
Sims, as our readers must admit, was by no means 
a man of that stamp. He was only irresolute and 
weak through superabundance of good nature — ^just 
as his mother had described him. Therefore he 
neither tore his hair like a despairing lover, nor yet 
Sid he indicate by his manner in any way that he 
was indifferent as to his wife’s fate or not realh^ anx- 
ious for her return. A very mauvais quart dTieure 
indeed was that he suffered immediately after read- 
ing Sophie’s pathetic letter, but the second sober 
thoughts that succeeded enabled him to face the 
(situation with becoming coolness. Perhaps it was 
[the conviction of how he would act under the cir- 
cumstances in Sophie’s place, that made him believe 
she would return after a few days’ absence — sadder, 
but thoroughly penitent. She did not return, how- 
ever — neither after a few days nor a few weeks — 
nor was he able to trace her, either through the 
governor” or by the aid of detective skill, which 
was employed discreetly, in a manner to prevent 
any public scandal. As a last hope he went to IsTew 
York and disclosed the situation to George Fenton. 

I ^^Idid not imagine you would care so much, 
George,” remarked the Californian, observing the 
broker’s pained look, as he related, with rather 
more detail than necessary, all the curious features 
of his life with Sophie, preceding and leading up to 


140 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


her flight. He suppressed all reference to Kate 
Fisher, however. 

It is an unexpectedly sad story, Geoffre 3 L I 
own I was in no way prepared for what you have 
told me. But you want me to advise you — to sug- 
gest how your wife may be found. I^m afraid I am 
unequal to the task/’ said Fenton, slowly, and with 
an effort at calmness. 

That’s what I was afraid of. I ought to have 
consulted you sooner — when she first disappeared. 
Now, I suppose, it’s too late. You haven’t even a 
suggestion to make? ” inquired Geoffrey. 

‘^1 might make a suggestion, if I knew ail,” 
replied Fenton. 

All ! ” echoed Geoffrey, somewhat astonished. 

You have suppressed nothing? ” demanded 
Fenton. 

Absolutely’' nothing necessary^ to ,your full 
understanding of the case,” said Geoffrey^ 

Fenton maintained silence for awhile. His friend 
could not help being struck with something unusual 
in the expression of his face. 

Excuse me for asking the question, Geoffreys 
but I have a very^ grave reason for doing so. Do 
you really love ymur wife ? ” 

Geoffreys started. 

I mean, of course, in the way a husband 
should love — her alone — no one else?” continued 
Fenton. 

Geoffrey seemed too overwhelmed with aston- 
ishment to respond. 

Let me change the form of question a little, 
Geoffreys, by^ asking if you do not love Miss Fisher 
more than y^our wife ? ” 


BLACr FRIDAY. 


141 


George ! ’’ exclaimed Geoffrey. George ! 
George ! ’" 

Ah ! Geff, it's a great pity. If you had only 
been more deliberate in the Vernon affair, how- 
much better it wmuld have been for all parties/' 
observed Fenton in a low, constrained tone. I 
understand but too well, now, the whole case. 
You asked me for a suggestion just now; I will give 
you one. It is this : Don’t seek out your wife for 
the present. Give her time to reflect. Perhaps 
she has adopted the wiser course after all. At all 
events, you don’t want to constrain her. I have 
no doubt that in due time you will hear from her 
in some form or other. Promise me you will let 
the affair rest as it is now until my return. I am 
going out of town for four or five days.” 

I will do as you%ish, George. I don’t know 
how you have read m^^ secrets, but you seem to 
have done so correctly. And you are the only man 
living to whom I would have made the confession. 
I don’t understand your motive for probing so 
closelj^, but I’m sure it is a good one, and to show 
my entire faith in you I now promise you nothing 
more shall be done until we meet again. Here is 
my hand on it.” 

Fenton wrung his friend’s hand warmly, and 
soon after went away. 

^^How oddlj^ he looked at me ! ” thought Geof- 
frey. I wonder what ails him, and, above all, I 
wonder how he came to guess so near the truth. 
It seems to me stranger now than when he was 
here. He’s a queer fellow, anyhow, but loyal as 
lo3^al can be.” 

A few hours later on the same day George was 


143 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


on his way to Canada, hy the shortest route, and 
if he had been seen by Geofrrej^ Sims, a change 
vstill greater would have been noticed in the young’ 
broker’s appearance. So careworn did he look — 
so utterly dejected — that Geoffrey might have 
thought some terrible calamity had overtaken his 
friend. What had caused such a startling altera- 
tion ? To explain it properly it is necessary to go 
back a little again, as we have alread}^ done in the 
case of Geoffrey and Sophie. 

During the Californian’s absence in San Fran- 
cisco, Fenton had seen a great deal of Sophie Ver- 
non, and he found himself soon completely under 
the spell of her charming manner. As Geoffrej^’s 
great friend, he was always welcomed warmly by 
the actress, and as most of their conversation, 
somehow, always concerned Geoffrey, he could ac- 
count for the fact only in one way : Sophie must 
love Geoffrey dearly. But how v/as it with Geof- 
frey ? Did he reciprocate her love ? Did he even 
suspect it existed ? Unfortunately he had no 
means of satisfying himself on the point, except 
by asking Sophie herself, and, somehow, he did not 
like even to sound her on the point. He felt it 
would be indelicate, and yet it seemed to him that, 
while he doubted, he ought not to continue visiting 
the actress. It savored a little of disloyalty to the 
friend who had so generousl}^ and recklessly 
rescued him from ruin. Still he could not resist the 
temptation. He went and went, and fell more and 
more under her spell. It made him exceedingly 
wretched when alone, but the pleasure he experi- 
enced when in her presence compensated a hundred- 
fold for all his lonely hours of anguish. 


143 


BLACK F ;ir>AY. 

One day when he called^ he was made the un- 
willmg witness of her fondness for wine^ and Mrs. 
Sands was so far gone that she let fall some care- 
less hints that made him believe there was some- 
thing very serious in the relations of Geoffrey and 
Sophie. He went away, filled with sorrow not un- 
mixed with something like disgust. He felt that 
he must do something, as a loyal friend, to warn 
Greoflrey. But he also knew he could never write 
the horrible naked truth. And what stunned him 
more than Ml Tvas to find that the discovery of 
Sophie's weak penchant for wine had not extin- 
guished his own singular infatuation for her. Not 
in the least. On the contrary, the feeling of pity 
for her — of a deep longing to save her — only in- 
tensified his love. But he was bound to Geoffrey 
Sims by such a strong tie of gratitude and such 
sincere friendship — and he was in heart and soul so 
truly honorable — that he could not escape the con- 
clusion that it was his duty to give some hint, cost 
what it might. It was through this conviction, 
still oppressing him next morning, that he w^rote 
the few lines to Geoffrey, which, vague and gen- 
eral though they were, threw the young* Californian 
into such fearful gloom and hastened his departure 
for New York. 

When Fenton afterward learned of the mar- 
riage, it was like a death-blow to all his hopes for 
a few moments. He felt very much like rushing 
away, at once, to the ends of the earth. But he 
was a man of real nerve, and soon mastered all the 
fierce impulses that tempted him. He resolved to 
do the only thing that remained to him — submit 
courageously to fate, and act lo^^ally by his friend. 


144 


BLACK miDAY. 


The marriage, he knew, was a mistake ; Geoffrey 
was not really suited to Sophie — he was toe easy- 
going and pliant — and Fenton's mind was filled 
with gloomy forebodings of what the future might 
bring forth. He had not then any glimmering of 
the, sad truth — not the slightest suspicion of the 
real state of Qeoftrej^’s heart. All he suspected 
was that Geoffrey had married in haste, without 
calculating the consequences. 

And now he, George Fenton, was madly rush- 
ing on to Canada to find the woman he loved and 
thrust himself into danger. Find her he would. 
On that he was resolved, and save her, too — rescue 
her from herself, and — well, yes — restore her to the 
arms of her husband — compel her to go back to 
the protecting arms of him who alone in all the 
world had the legal and moral right to protect 
her. 

He was three days in Montreal without finding 
any trace of her. Then accident threw him in her 
way. It was at the theater, on the stage, that he 
found her, pla3dng one of the leading parts, under 
the assumed name of Belle Sanders. After the play 
he followed her to her lodgings, and then went 
back to his own hotel. As the next day would be 
Sunday, he rightly divined she would be at leisure. 
He resolved to call upon her about noon. 

The hours intervening were hours of terrible 
torture. He could not sleep, for now that he had 
succeeded in finding her and would be with her so 
soon, he began to doubt the propriety of the step 
he was about to take. Was he after all justified in 
interfering ? Would she thank him ? Would Geof- 
frey even deem it right, if he suspected the love 


BLACK FKIDAY. 


145 


that was burning* in his friend’s heart ? Would it 
not be wiser to go right back to New York, inform 
Geoffrey as to where he could find his wife ? He 
could not decide. 

Though Sophie’s lodgings were not more than 
fifteen minutes walk from the Windsor Hotel, and 
though he had resolved not to call before noon, 
Fenton was in the street at ten o’clock in ^^e 
morning, walking feverishly up and down the 
block on which the apartment-house in which she 
lodged stood. He was startled by the mad way 
his heart bounded, as he ascended at last the short 
flight of stairs leading to the door of her apart- 
ment. He paused irresolutely befoi*e knocking. 
Then he tapped ever so gently, and to the musical 
Come in ” opened the door and entered. 

Sophie was seated on a lounge in a morning 
wrapper, and started to her feet at once on seeing 
a gentleman. In a moment he saw how pale and 
ill she looked — the dark semicircles under her sad- 
dened eyes told of intense mental anguish, and her 
wasted form showed what ravages grief had already 
wrought in her whole system. She recoiled on 
recognizing her visitor. 

I took the liberty of calling, Mrs. Sims ” 

Don’t — don’t mention that name again, Mr. 
Fenton — I am Miss Sanders here,” she interrupted. 

Pardon my intrusion, but you know m}^ object 
— that I do not come through idle curiosity. I 
come on behalf of the best friend I ever had — the 
best man I ev^er knew — to appeal to you for your 

own sake — for his ” 

It is useless. I have made my decision. It is 
irrevocable. I know what you would say, but it 


146 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


is too late. I do not wish to hear it/^ murmured 
Sophie, in a strange and unnatural tone. 

"‘Sophie, for God's sake, hear me. Don’t dis- 
miss me in this way. I cannot leave without mak- 
ing one effort, at least, fb dissuade you from the 
unreasonable course you are pursuing. If you 
know how intensely Geoffrey has suffered — how he 
longs to see you again ” 

""Don’t — don’t, Mr. Fenton. Spare me such a 
recital. He has suffered enough. So have I, God 
knows,” pleaded Sophie, with an unsteady voice. 

Of what use is it to increase my burden by ap- 
peals that can have no result. I tell you — I swear 
before God — nothing can move me from my pur- 
pose. I will never live with Geoffrey again — never 
see him if I can help it. I wish all the past buried 
— even my name.” v 

""How is that possible, Sophie? Such a xhing 
cannot be. You are married legally. You are his 
wife and — — ” 

"" Married ! yes ! but let the marriage be set 
aside. There are ways of securing divorces without 
scandal. Let Geoffrey secure such a divorce. I 
will help him. Or, if that is impossible, let him 
secure one openly. I will not object. But under no 
circumstances, Mr. Fenton, will I ever live with 
him again. You understand me, do you not? 
Never — never ! ” 

"" He would not agree to that, Sophie. He loves 
you too well ” 

""He does not love me,” interrupted Sophie. 
"" He tried to do so, but it was a failure. I pity 
him and would spare him. You must promise me 
not to tell him you have met me.” 


- BLACK FRIDAY. 


147 


That I cannot do.” 

'' Then liear me. If you do not, or rather if he 
makes the slightest attempt to follow me, I will go 
somewhere or do something* which he will always 
regret,” said Sophie, with a wild, despairing look 
that chilled Fenton's blood. ‘‘1 am in a desperate 
mood, and must not be trifled with. I ask only to 
be left alone. You must promise, at least, to warn 
me in time, should Geoffrej^ determine to pursue me 
when you have told him of our conversation.” 

*'^That I can promise,” said Fenton, promptly. 

But can nothing move you, Sophie ? Think be- 
fore I leave you. I may never see you again. I 
mean you may never allow me again. Take time. 
Don’t decide now. Wait a few days. Let me call 
again.” 

^‘No, no, no,” answered Sophie, with extraor- ' 
dinar}^ decision. ^^If you wish to consult my hap- 
piness — at least my comparative peace of mind — 
urge me no more. Help me to be Arm. Aid me in 
the course I feel to be best for all. Be my friend 
as well as his.” 

^‘Indeed I am your friend, Sophie,,” replied 
Fenton, warmly, My heart bleeds for you, and 
it is because I feel you are wrong to yourself as 
well as to him, that I urge you to take time.” 

'"You are a good man, Mr. Fenton, and I honor 
you. But it is useless, I repeat, to endeavor to 
dissuade me.” 

A fearful struggle now took place within his 
own bosom. Though she had almost commanded 
him to leave, he stood silenth^ before her with an 
expression that alarmed her. 


148 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


Are you ill, Mr. Fenton ? ” she asked, with 
feeling. 

He made no answer at once, but walked to her 
side and took her hand. 

‘‘Sophie, hear me ! he exclaimed at last, 
^^and hear me patiently. Do not misunderstand 
me. When I tell you I love you with all my heart 
and soul, think nothing bad of me, or that I intend 
to offer insult. I love you so deeply that I cannot 
quit you thus, leaving you to a fate worse than 
death.^ Let me be a brother to you, that I may be 
alwa3"S near to protect you. Think how young you 
are — how many happy years may 3^et be in store 
for you. Do not give way to despair now. Do not 
condemn yeurself by this hasty decision to a future 
of misery. I would never have spoken thus to you 
— the love I cherish would have remained buried in 
my heart forever, and I would have remained loysil 
Xo Geoffrey to my last hour, had I succeeded in 
persuading you to return to his protection. But 
now, Sophie, I cannot be silent. I cannot relin- 
quish the last hope of saving ^mu from yourself. 
Will you, for my sajke, if not for his or your own, 
allow me to watch over you as a brother ? I shall 
never ask for more, believe — oh ! trust me, Sophie, 
unless — unless — which I feel to be hopeless — he 
would consent to relinquish you b}’- a divorce. 

Then indeed I would ” 

^^Mr. Fenton ! ” 

She had sank back on the sofa from which she 
had hastily risen. Her eyes had closed. Her 
bosom heaved convulsively. He seized again the 
hand she had withdrawn. 

Sophie ! oh, Sophie ! I have offended — startled 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


149 


you. Forgive me. I know not what I am saying or 
doing. I am mad — mad — but — not dis — disrespect- 
ful 

No, no — I know it, Mr. Fenton. But — but you 
are wrong — indeed you are — to speak in this wa3^ 
It is not for me to reproach yo\x for a love you 
think you cannot smother. Too well I know what 
it is to suffer with a hopeless love. But, oh ! Mr. 
Fenton, don’t add to my load. How heavy it was 
before, 3’ou may be able to understand ” 

Forgive me, Sophie — Mrs. Sims, I mean. But, 
oh ! let me, T implore you, be of some use. Don’t 
drive me uwuy without allowing me to help you in 
some wa\\” 

There was such earnestness and sincerity in his 
voice, that the tears gushed from her e\^es; she 
was unable to make anj^ repl^^ at once. 

I had no thought of all this, Mr. Fenton. I 
pity 3"ou from the bottom of my heart. But what 
can I do ? ” 

I ask nothing ; onh" let me serve you in some 
way, and promise me above all that you will not 
fly from here when I am gone — that you will not 
hide 3^our address from me — that you will suffer 
me to come to 3^ou occasionall3% to guard and 
watch over you. Let me provide a companion of 
your own sex to care for you. You are not strong 
— you ought not to be on the stage. You need rest 
and the tenderest care ” 

You are the soul of honor, Mr. Fenton — Kind- 
ness itself. Believe me, lam grateful to you. But 
as to the stage it is now m3" onl3" hope — the one 
solace left to me — No, I won’t sa3^ that, for I will 
alwa3^s remember 3mur goodness. But I would 


150 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


.only fret more without the excitement of the the- 
ater, which indeed is a protection in more ways 
than one. If I could tell you all, you would see 
I am right.” 

My dearest friend, Ido know the worst you 
can tell me. That is why I beg you so earnestly 
to listen to me now. Tell me you will allow me to 
watch over you like a brother- — to save you from 
yourself. You are so good and true in all other 
respects. Be firm and true to yourself in that 
other respect also.” 

Again Sophie gave way to hot tears — Fenton’s 
earnest reminder of her one great weakness, or 
rather the knowledge that even hy him it was 
known and that yet he was ready to devote himself 
to her, affected her so deeply that she seized his 
hand and kissed it gratefully. 

You are too good and noble, Mr. Fenton. 
God bless and reward ^mu,” she murmured. 

Will you not let me serve you in some way ? 
Is there nothing I can do — no one thing in all the 
world ? ” he demanded, with a choking voice. 

Yes, there is, and to show you my gratitude I 
will ask you to attend to it for me. I will promise 
you also to be — be — firm hereafter. You shall be 
as a brother to me, and I will trust yon in all 
things.” 

^^Tell me, then, what I can do?” he asked, 
eagerly. 

She arose and unlocked a drawer, taking there- 
from a bank and check-book, which she handed him, 
sa3dng : 

There, take these with you to New York. 
You will see that I am not utterly destitute. I 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


151 


know little about such thing's, for until my — my 
marriag'e Mrs. Sands always looked after them for 
me. Will you kindly look over them in New York 
and let me know what I have? ’’ 

I will do it before I g^o away^ from Montreal. 
You will allow me to come to you to-morrow ? ’’ he 
inquired. 

*' Do not ask that, dear friend. I don’t think I 
could be equal to another scene so soon,” she an- 
swered, pleading] jL 

“ Let it be as you say. I will send these back 
to you, and, if it is aii}^ convenience, I will have the 
amount — whatever it may be — placed in bank here 
to your credit. Then it will be easier for 3^ou to 
draw than to wait for remittances from New 
York.'-* 

‘• You know best about that ; I leave the details 
to 3mu.” 

He bowed, and after a few more precious mo- 
ments, left her and went to his hotel. Then he ex- 
aiuined her bank-book, and finding it had not been 
balanced for quite a long time, he took advantage 
of the circumstance to practice a piece of generous 
deception. For a man so well known in the finan- 
cial world it was an easy matter to arrange quickly 
the transfer of twenty thousand dollars from New 
York*to Montreal, and this he did bright and early 
next morning*. The amount thus transferred he 
deposited in the principal Bank of Montreal to the 
credit of Belle Sanders, and arranged all the details 
about her signature, so that she would be able to 
draw without unnecessaiy trouble. 

As her book showed she had from time to time 
had considerable amounts on deposit, he hoped. 


152 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


from the general fact that she had never paid much 
attention to such matters, that his little trick would 
never be detected. 

In writing to her before leaving, he explained 
how much better off she was, financially, than be 
had hoped, and with her new bank-book he sent a 
puzzling statement in bewildering figures, which he 
felt certain would greatly assist in making the de- 
ception a success. He wrote : 

You must be sure not to neglect to write to 
me every week, for I shall be very anxious about 
your health. Should anything happen to render 
my presence necessary, telegraph me at once. I 
shall take the libert}^ of coming back occasionally, 
without waiting to be invited, to satisfj^ myself 
that you want for nothing and are doing well. 
Remember your solemn promises to me and always 
regard me as — 

Your devoted brother, George.” 

Such were the words with which he concluded 
his first letter to the wife of his friend. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


153 


CHAPTER XVIII. 

A FIERCE disturber of all ties is love. The very 
best men and the very best women^ once under the 
tyrannical yoke, are apt to become selfish, unjust, 
intolerant. It would not be quite true to say that 
love had alreadj^ worked such a radical chang-e in 
Fenton’s nature, but it is certain that after the ex- 
citing- interview with Sophie his feeling-s toward 
Geoffrey Sims were those of intense bitterness. 
Was it because Geoffrey had married, not loving* 
Sophie ? By no means. He frankly admitted to 
himself that in that act Geoffrey had shown the 
spirit of true honor and unselfishness. But he 
could not pardon the moral cowardice of a man 
who placed false shame, the opinion of the world in 
genera], above duty. Geoffrey should not have 
concealed his wedding so long. Not only should 
he have informed his mother, but the whole world. 
It was criminal folly and weakness to sacrifice his 
wife’s peace of mind to false pride. It was throw- 
ing away the last chance of curing Sophie of the 
one besetting weakness in her nature. What right 
had he to place anybody above his wife — no, not 
even his mother, let her be ever so pure and high- 
minded ? 

Would I have acted so ? ” Fenton asked him- 
self. Would I have placed Sophie in such a 
degrading position ? Would I have hesitated a 
second between her interests and my own feelings, 
supposing for a moment that ^ could ever entertain 


154 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


such childish feelings as those which evidently con- 
trolled Geoffrey's course with his beautiful wife?’’ 

He was quite sure that no consideration in the 
world would have forced him to commit such a 
wrong*. Many unhappy hours during his trip back 
to New York were given up to fierce criticism of 
his friend’s criminal weakness before he began to 
relent and balance Geoffrey’s good qualities — so 
many good qualities — against onl^^’ene bad. After 
all, Geoffrey himself was also to be pitied. Was 
it not a fact that he loved another, and yet, 
through pure goodness of heart, had sacrificed 
himself for Sophie’s sake ? How strange that the 
same man was capable of so much generosity and 
yet so — so — No, he would not condemn Geoffrey 
any more. Who could tell all the agony of mind 
and heart his friend had suffered ? 

must not be unjust to him. I must never 
forget what a good, unselfish friend he has been — 
tliat I owe him all. No, no. It is not necessary 
to be ungenerous to him because my own love for 
her is so deep and true. It would do no good. 
What I have to consider now is the best course to 
be adopted under these painful circumstances,” he 
thought, when his mind had gradually resumed its 
accustomed calmness. 

What to do ? What to do ? 

^^I must prevent him from following her in 
some way. That is evident. It would be fatal to 
her. She is firm — determined — means all she said 
about never living with him again. Poor girl I 
Poor girl ! What courser can I possibly recom- 
mend ? Wh3^ not divorce, after all ? Is it not the 
only remedy left — the best for both — for all ? ” 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


155 


thought Fenton, the idea of what then would some 
day be possible sending a thrill through his whole 
being. 

The train had stopped at Poughkeepsie and his 
self-communings were interrupted by the transfer of 
passengers in and out. Three new passengers were 
ushered into the Wagner, drawing-room car quite 
close to where he was sitting — a gentleman and 
two ladies. 

Why, George, how are you ? ’’ exclaimed the 
gentleman, advancing with outstretched hand. 

^"Mr. Fenton !” cried the two ladies simulta- 
neously. 

He recognized Mr. and Mrs. Remsford and Miss 
Ada. 

What an unexpected pleasure to meet an old 
friend here ! ’’ Mrs. Remsford declared. 

Of all people in the wmrld the Remsfords were 
those he would have preferred not to meet in his 
then peculiar frame of mind. He was quite aware 
that he had been rather a more frequent, visitor at 
their house than formerl}^ since the marriage of 
Geoffrey and Sophie, and also that the family had 
welcomed him with much of the warmth of an ex- 
pectant son-in-law. It was true he had never giver 
any real grounds by his own conduct for such an 
explanation of his visits. But, then, he had allowed 
himself to drift into a verj^ remarkable intimacy , 
since that night of the dinner-party when he met 
Mrs. Sims and Miss Fisher, and he felt that Miss 
Ada’s preferences for him of all other visitors was 
too evident to misunderstand. He had not cared 
very much one way or the other. He had said to 
himself often when alone in hi^s own rooms : Why 


156 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


not ? What difference can it make to me ? The 
hope I once had is dead. Why not accept fate and 
tvy to make one heart happy ? Ada is a good, 
sweet girl.’’ 

But now all was changed again. The thought 
of Ada or any other young Isidy seemed outrage- 
ous. Still he had a guilty sense of having encour- 
aged — or at least of not having displayed indiffer- 
ence to jthe pretty little blandishments of Ada 
Remsford. He could not be rude now, that Ada 
was thrown in his path again, nor yet could he 
simulate a cordiality he did not feel, and the yoimg 
girl, quick at detecting every little shade of altera- 
tion in his manner, recognized something at once 
in his face and voice that made her heart sink. 
The conversation soon narrowed down to a dia- 
logue between himself and the matron. Ada 
seemed to find something wonderfully attractive 
in the view of land and water along the noble 
Hudson. 

Mrs, Remsford had seen Geoffrey and Geoffrey 
had received^ome letters from his mother or Miss 
Fisher. Mrs. Sims was not getting stronger and 
had urged Geoffrey to join her at once. So much 
Fenton learned from the matron after a few mo- 
ments’ conversation. 

^^He ought to join his mother at once,” said 
Fenton in a matter-of-fact way, though he felt his 
face flush as he uttered the commonplace re- 
mark. 

That’s what I told him, too,” Mrs. Remsford 
observed. 

You are entirely right, Mrs. Remsford.” 

^^Of course — of course. No business should 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


157 


detain him longer at this side of the Atlantic. 
But Geoffrey is a little eccentric, don’t you think 
so ? ” demanded Mrs. Remsford. 

Well, not exactl\^ that, but I have known him 
to take wrong views of matters,” said Eenton, cau- 
tiousl^L 

He thinks a great deal of you,” rejoined Mrs. 
Remsford. You ought to urge him to go away 
at once.” 

shall do so, I think, after what you have 
told me,” responded Fenton. Then he exerted 
himself to entertain his three friends until the train 
reached the Grand Central Depot, and he bade 
them good-by with an exhibition of haste that 
deepened the sad expression of Miss Ada’s face. 

Arrived at his apartments, he found Geoffrey 
with an open letter in his hand, very much excited. 

I am so glad you have returned, George. I’m 
in a regular fix and unable to decide by myself what 
I ought to do.” 

""I think I understand the situation,” replied 
George, hurriedly. I met the Remsfords in the 
cars and learnt that you had received some alarm- 
ing news from abroad. I hope it is not really 
serious ? ” 

That’s just it. Serious enough it looks, for I 
am sure Kate would not write so earnestly if 
mother’s sickness were only some trivial affair. 
You know my position. I am chained here until I 
can make it up with Sophie some way, and yet I 
feel I ought to go.” 

"'So do I, Geoffrey; you should go without 
further delay.” 

Geoffrey regarded his friend with astonishment. 


158 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


How is it possible, George ? How can I leave 
with all this uncertainty^ concerning my poor wife’s 
fate. If I could only see her once— even if I knew 
she was all right — or ” 

I can relieve you on that point, Geoffrey. I 
have seen her ” 

You have ! how is she ? Where is she ? ” 
want you to promise me something before I 
answer youv last question, Geoffrey,” said Fenton, 
in R; tone that startled Geoffrey. 

That is a curious request from you. Do you 
mean you won’t tell me where my wife is — my wife — 
unless I make some unknown pledge in advance ? ” 
demanded Geoffreys, not a little annoyed as well as 
amazed. 

Yes, that is it, Geoffrey, and I am sure you. 
won’t consider it out of the way at all, when I tell 
you I have given my^ word of honor not to disclose 
your wife’s place of concealment, unless y^ou prom- 
ise not to disturb her against her wishes after I 
had told y’ou.” 

George, this is monstrous,” broke out' Geof- 
freyMn a sudden explosion of wrath. You have 
made such a promise — ymu, my^ closest friend ! 
Great Heavens ! George, what can you mean by 
such a statement ? ” 

^^Sit down there as calmly^ as you can, and let 
me try^ to explain.” 

Geoffrey" resumed his seat. 

I found y"our wife, and had a long and painful 
interview with her. I used every" argument I could 
think of to induce her to return to you. I found it 
impossible to move her. Geoffrey", she is fully^ 
resolved never to resume her relations with y"ou. 


BLACK KRIDAY. 


159 


and I am convinced after all I saw and heard that 
it is better for you not to force yourself upon 
her ” 

*‘What do you mean, in Heaven’s name?” 
roared Geoffrey, again jumping from his seat, his 
eyes flashing angrily. 

I mean,” rejoined Fenton, "Hhat if you at- 
tempt to do so, she may commit some wild act in 
pure desperation, which you and I would regret to 
the last day of our lives.” 

‘^This is worse than anything I ever dreamt 
of,” cried Geoffrey, wringing his hands. 

‘^Do you suppose, Geoffrey, that under any 
other circumstances such a strange promise could 
have been wrurfg from me ? No, indeed ; be sure 
I would never have consented to be bound ®f such 
a strange obligation to secrec}" if I did not feel the 
poor girl would do violence to herself in case of my 
refusal,” continued Fenton, solemnly. 

Does she then hate me so fearfullj^?” cried 
Geoffrey, in agony. 

No, Geoffrey, it is not tjiat. She loves you 
still — truly, devotedlj^ ; but she knows you do not 
love her — that you are ashamed of your marriage 
with her — ^and that you love another.” 

George, I would do an^^thing to please her — 
take her with me now to my mother — acknowledge 
her before all the world, and do my duty faithfully 
at all times,” groaned GeoiTre3^ 

I know, I know, Geoffrey ; but it is too late 
now” for all that. Long ago ^mu should have taken 
her to your mother. It was a fatal error, from 
which I would have tried to dissuade you had I 
known your real reasons for the concealment. Ah ! 


160 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


Geoffre^' , that was wrong, very wrong ; indeed, it 
was. How could ^-ou suppose that an^^ sensitive 
woman could live and prosper under the strange 
conditions you imposed ? It was monstrous, I tell 
you, monstrous.’’ 

In his excitement the harsh adjective escaped in- 
voluntarily from Fenton’s lips. • 

Oh, George ! ” cried Geoffrey, shocked at such 
an unexpected characterization of his conduct, but 
at the same time conscious that it was deserved. 

Excuse my brutal frankness, Geoffre3^ lam 
sorr3^ I used such a harsh expression, for I know 
you do not deserve it. You never meant to be 
really cruel or unjust ; but you we):e unjust, Geof- 
frey, when you neglected to proclaim your mar- 
riage to all the world. It was an unintended 
cruelty to her, too.” 

Yes, you are right, George. I see it all but 
too plainl^^ now. But what am I to do ? What 
course can I adopt to lessen her anguish — to assure 
her of m3^ bitter repentance? You are calm and 
collected. Can you advise me ? You are the 
friend of Sophie as well as my friend. You have 
only the best interests of both. Tell me, then, what 
is best ? ” 

Fenton heard these words with a guilty twinge 
of conscience, and for a moment he felt a desire — 
almost irresistible — to make a full confession to his 
friend of the state of his own heart. But the 
thought of the possibility of divorce was too much 
for his good resolution. After all, would not di- 
vorce be the best remedy for both Geoffrey and 
Sophie ? he asked himself again. For Geoffrey, 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


161 


certainly, as it would leave him free to marry the 
woman he really lo\"ied. 

And for me,” thought Fenton, it would 
open a prospect at least. It will give me the 
chance to save her, and perhaps in due time to win 
her love a display of unselfish devotion.” 

Geoff rej^” said Fenton, when he had arrived 
at this conclusion ; in answer to you I can only 
say that there is but one remedy under the circum- 
stances, and that is the remedy suggested by your 
own wife.” 

What is it, then ? ” demanded Geoffrey. 

A divorce,” answered Fenton, in a strange, 
unnatural voice that startled himself. 

A divorce ! a divorce ! ” echoed Geoffrey. 

Yes,” repeated Fenton. 

^^It is impossible,” exclaimed Geoffrey, ener- 
geticall}^ and even if it were possible, it would 
be cowardly, f have made my own fate, and I 
—will not shrink from it. How could you think I 
could be mean enough to accept such a relief offered 
only because she is heart-broken ? ” 

I do not understand 3'Our position. I have 
told you, and believe me, her resolution is final. 
She will never consent to live with you again. 
That being the case, and she being willing on any 
conditions to consent to a divorce, not to secure 
one is to condemn her to a life with a perpetual 
cloud over it. I repeat, I do not understand what 
you mean by sa^dng it would be cowardly, any 
more than I see wh}^ a divorce is impossible.” 

Excuse me for saying so, George, but it ap- 
pears to me you are in favor of hurrying matters 


162 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


to a crisis rather precipitatel3^ But to explain 
once and for all^ you must know that in our church 
divorces are only granted for the gravest reasons, 
and between Sophie and me no such reasons exist. 

I could not marry, even Avere a divorce to he grant- 
ed. It is true that Sophie, not being of my faith, 
would be perfectl3^ free to marry again, but you 
know how useless such freedom would be to her, 
as you say she still loves me truly and devotedly. 
No, George, a divorce is abhorrent to my religious 
convictions; but a separation can be managed — 
some kind of separation, I hope, which will relieve 
her from any stain or cloud, as you have said, and 
will still leave the door open at all times for recon- 
ciliation.” 

Fenton felt the unintentional sting in Geoffrey’s 
allusion to precipitancA", and as he could advance 
no further arguments for the moment in favor of 
the divorce, he contented himself with answering 
such questions as were asked by the young hus- 
band, Avhose excitement had by this time very - 
greatly subsided. 

I am disposed to leave affairs in statu quo for 
the present, at least. I conclude from your state- 
ment that Sophie is not in trouble about money 
matters, and that her health is in no danger,” said 
Geoffrey, Avithout contradiction by Fenton, and 
I Avillingl^^ commit her to your care, promising to do 
nothing compromising until I shall have decided 
Avhat course is best to be taken, Avith your full 
concurrence. I have the fullest confidence in you, 
George, and I don’t know that there is any more 
to be said about the matter now. I thank you, of 
course, with all my heart, and I hope you will 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


163 


overlook any hasty expressions I may have ut- 
tered/’ 

Geoffrey extended his hand frankly, and Fenton 
sboolc it warmlj^ and with a g*enuine feeling* of re- 
lief. So far he had handled the affair very success- 
fully. But the hardest part was yet to come, and 
Fenton was not so sure of success. 


CHAPTER XIX. 

There were manj^ subsequent conferences be- 
tween the two young* men concerning* Sophie, and 
Fenton finally contrived to induce Geoffrey to 
abandon any immediate attempt at reconciliation, 
and to leave the final arrangement of the terms of 
temporary separation in his hands. That was as 
far as he could induce young* Sims to go. Mean- 
time later advices from Europe assured the latter 
of the more favorable condition of his mother, and 
while awaiting some new turn in his relations with 
Sophie, he resolved to pay a visit to San Francisco, 
some formalities connected with the probate of his 
father’s will demanding his presence there. With 
Geoffrey thus out of the way, Fenton started again 
for Montreal. He had conceived a plan for Sophie’s 
welfare, and he was eager to put it into execution 
without delay. He had heard- of a s^^stem practiced 
by a celebrated physician in New York for the cure 
of people, and especiallj" of ladies, addicted to over- 
indulg*ence in wine, and he intended to persuade 
Sophie to submit to that treatment. It was essen- 
tial for success that she should reside in or near 


164 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


New York, and already he had selected a suitable 
house for her outside the great citj^, where she 
would be under the care of a most estimable ma- 
tron, whose character and virtues could not fail to 
exercise a beneficent influence. There, too, he could 
see her more frequently and himself watch the 
steady stages of recovery. He expected opposition 
on her part, but he went determined to argue down 
all objections, and with a firm resolve not to return 
to New York without her. He was astonished and 
almost terrified at the strength of his own resolve, 
and wondered how he would execute it in case So- 
phie herself persisted in refusing. Fortunately^, 
the alternative was not presented to him, as the 
actress, who certainly had greatly improved in ap- 
pearance and spirits since his former visit, inter- 
posed no vigorous objections. 

‘‘1 have accepted you. as a brother,’’ she said, 
with a slightly heightened color, and the com- 
mand of a good brother to a weak sister must be 
obeyed. Take me there, and may I be able to re- 
ward your brotherly interest by profiting to the 
fullest extent in the way you desire.” 

I am aware this must have a Quixotic air to 
certain matter-of-fact readers, but queer things 
are happening every day in this little world of 
ours unknown to its matter-of-fact inhabitants. 
And this translation of Sophie Sims, under the cir- 
cumstances as described, from Montreal to the 
kindly curative shelter of a private home not far 
-irom the limits of the city of New York, is an in- 
cident of real life, of common enough occurrence, 
perhaps, if we only knew all that happens round 
about us. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


165 


And there Sophie continued for a long* time. 

When Geoffre^^ Sims got back from San Fran- 
cisco some months afterward, filled with a new re- 
solve to attempt a reconciliation, Sophie was still 
with the benevolent lad^^ outside the city. But 
Fenton did not reveal the fact. He persuaded 
himself that an evasion was justifiable under the 
circumstances. So when Geoffrey besought him to 
arrange an interview for him with Sophie on any 
considerations, he made a protest for formas sake, 
but ended by agreeing to do his best to bring about 
what his friend desired. He showed Geoffrey the 
letter he prepared addressed to Montreal, and then 
sent it off. After days of waiting without receiv- 
ing any word from Sophie, Fenton suggested to 
Geoffrey to write to the Canadian postmaster ask- 
ing if the letter had been delivered. The reply 
that came back, Party has left former resi- 
dence — present address unknown, ’V filled Geoffrey 
with alarm. He asked to be released from all 
pledges in order that he might proceed at once to 
Montreal to institute a search, and as Fenton could 
fin's no good excuse for refusing, he consented, only 
stipulating that in order to avoid public scandal 
the aid of police detectives should not be in- 
voked. 

I tell you frankly, Geoffrey, it is only what I 
feared. She has gone off somewhere to avoid a 
meeting with 3mu. I have no'doubt she is perfectly 
safe, and that after a sufficient time has elapsed she 
will herself let me know where she is. In fact, I 
exacted that promise from her. You need not fret 
or worry. I am confident she is all right wherever 
she is, and that you will only do harm by disturb- 


166 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


ing her — even supposing you will succeed in finding 
her, which I doubt. The mere fact of her flight 
only shows how earnest and fixed she must be in 
her resolve to live apart. But I have no right to 
enforce my own view. You a^ her husband and 
have a right to do as you please. I only give you 
my advice, since I am made a party to the deplor- 
able business.’’ 

''What, then, ought I to do, in Heaven’s 
name ? ” asked GeofTre3^ 

" I am afraid you ivould not adopt Iny ad^i^ce if 
I offered it,” said Fenton, evasively. 

" Is it not better to tell me what the advice is 
first?” retorted Geoffrey, somewhat impatienth^ 

" If I were you, then, Geoffrey, I would make 
no move at present — not for a long time. I prom- 
ise to watch over her like a brother. In the mean- 
time my , advice is that 3^ou go abroad. Join your 
mother, Avho is so anxious to see you. Remaining 
here is only prolonging an ^gony. You need all 
the sympath}^ and support a good mother can give. 
Go, then, to your mother and make a clean breast 
of the whole business.” 

The Californian almost shuddered at this sug- 
gestion, but he avoided any response to it. After 
a few moments of hesitation he took Fenton’s hand 
and shook it warmly. 

" George, I feef you are actuated onl^^ by the 
best of intentions, bub» I feel also that I must dis- 
agree with your advice. I must make an effort to 
find Sophie — to learn of her safety, even if I do 
not force mj^self upon her. If I fail in the attempt, 
then I promise you I wifi go abroad.” 

Geoffrey accordingly went to Canada, made a 


I 


iW BLACK FRIDAY. 167 

fruitless search, and then sailed away for Europe. 
The events that succeeded must be summed up 
briefly. Sophie’s improvement was rapid. The 
^Hiome” influence from which Fenton expected so 
much was successful. His owii^bearing* was unex- 
1 ceptionable. Ho saw Sophie frequentlj^ but by no 
means so frequently as might be supposed — a fact 
due as much to Sophie’s own ideas of what was 
right and proper as to the exercise of prudent for- 
bearance on the part of Fenton. In due time she 
resumed her place on the stage, no longer as So- 
phie Vernon, but as Belle Sanders — not in New 
York, where her re-appearance would be para- 
graphed all over the world, but in Canada and the 
other provinces where she had won fame under her 
Aew name. Her profession proved not only a sup- 
; port but a healthful distraction to her. This Feii- 
, ton acknowledged to himself, while he deplored her 
re-appearance on the stage. ’^What if in some 
fit of despondency she should fall again ? ” he 
asked himself many a time. But there was no 
help for it, and he bore his own restlessness and 
' anxiety as best he could. 

But Sophie did not fall. With time her health 
and her resolution both strengthened, and Fenton 
felt in duty bound to repeat the true situation from 
time to time to his friend, Geoffrey Sims. 

We have already seen that all this time the 
young husband had weaklj^ maintained the secret 
: of his marriage. It was only when the terrible 
railroad disaster occurred that the truth at last 
was forced from him. A few facts relating to that 
occurrence and to the fate of Sophie must now be 
made known. 


168 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


The young’ actress was on one of her starring* 
tourS; huriying from one Canadian city to another, 
when the train that conve^^ed her suddenly smashed 
into another ahead on the same track. The engine 
of her train exploded, and, in the consequent wreck, 
some forty dead bodies in all the forms of dismem- 
berment and mutilation were extricated from the 
piles of smoking debris. Only a handkerchief and 
a piece of one of her underskirts marked with her 
initials could be found — proof enough that her re- 
mains must be among the mutilated bodies in the 
improvised morgue near the railroad track. 

It was true she might yet be among the sur- 
vivors carried here and there by the good people 
residing around about. But Fenton, having ex- 
hausted inquiries and searclies, at last gave up all 
hope and returned to New York, carrjdng with him 
the scorched handkerchief and other relics of his 
departed love. It was only one short week before 
that he had left New York in feverish haste. His 
abundant hair was dark then. Now it was quite 
gray, and his face looked ten years older. As he 
issued from the depot he passed two ladies, who re- 
garded him intently for a few seconds. The younger 
of the two screamed and fell fainting to the side- 
Avalk. He raised his eyes and saw Mrs. Remsford* 
stooping over her daughter. He assisted the lady 
in conducting the girl to a carriage, and then re- 
sumed his way downtown. 

When Geoffrey Sims arrived in New York from 
Mexico he was startled at the changed appearance 
of his friend. He had not seen him for more than 
a 3’ear, but that seemed too short a period to work 
such an extraordinary alteration. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


169 


^*You have been seriously ill?” asked Geof- 
frey, anxiousl3^ My dear Georg-e, you ought to 
have informed me.” 

Fenton only smiled faintlj", but there was some- 
thing in his manner that seemed to repel the old 
confidential frankness, and Geoffrey checked the 
anxious questions he would like to have asked. 
Their interview was soon over. Fenton, in a cold, 
almost stern manner, told all he knew of the rail- 
road tragedy, and then, in reply to a nervous sort 
of invitation from Geoffrey to accompany him on a 
trip to California, replied, almost curtly : 

No, Geoffrey ; I prefer to work, work, work. 
That is better for me than idleness, at present.” 

The Californian could not conceal the pain Fen- 
ton's short, almost rude manner occasioned. 

‘^Excuse me, Geoffrey, but I am not quite my- 
self th-day. Don’t mind my manner,” said Fenton, 
hurriedl3% endeavoring to atone for his brusqueriess. 

An hour or two later, when Geoff re}^ met Mr. 
Remsford, he was still more astonished on learning 
from that gentleman that the deplorable change in 
Fenton — the whitening of his hair, and the aged 
looks — were all the result of a few daj^s’ mental ex- 
citement. This is the way Mr. Remsford explained 
it : 

‘^You see, among the victims of that terrible 
railroad accident in Canada was a young lad^^ to 
whom Fenton was greatl}^ attached. You’ve heard 
of Belle Sanders, have you nob? Well, she was a 
sort of protegee of his. I have it from a lady in 
whose house Miss Sanders lived for quite awhile, 
up in Westchester, he was madly in love with the 


170 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


girl. He used to visit her there often, and Mrs. 
Hughes thought somehow that there was some ob- 
stacle to their marriage, either on Fenton’s part or 
on the lad^^’s. At all event^ Fenton was always 
most respectful in his attention, but all the same 
my friend could tell he was hopelessl}^ in love. It 
seems to have been a very unusual affair on both 
sides. But it is a fact that when Fenton learnt of 
the railroad accident he was wild with grief, and 
though he was only four or five days absent trying 
to recover the body of Miss Sanders, his hair was 
as white when he returned as it is to-day. They 
do say it turned from black to white in one night. 
But you know, my boy, such things are not rare. 
My wife and daughter saw him right after his re- 
turn from Canada, and poor Ada was nearly 
frightened to death when she noticed the extra- 
ordinary change in his appearance. Why Jie’s 
like an old man, now.” 

^^And that was only two weeks ago?” said 
Geoffrey, with unusual self-command. 

Yes, about two weeks. But come, you don’t 
look very cheerful yourself over these sad details,” 
said Mr. Remsford. ^^The subject seems to make 
everybody miserable — my wife, Ada and you, as 
well as poor Fenton. I think a great deal of that 
young man, Geoffrey ; in fact we all love him, and 
it is too bad we can’t rouse him out of this dreadful 
depression. I don’t mind telling you that I did 
sort of fancy at one time he had a notion toward 
our Ada, but it came to a sudden end. We noticed 
a great change in his attentions some time back. 
I think it was the day we accidentally met him on 
the train at Poughkeepsie. You remember, don’t 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


171 


you, before 3^ou went to California, about the time 
your dear mother left for Europe ? ” 

Geoffre^^ started. A new lig-ht suddenly broke 
upon him. George, then, had loved her even away 
back in those days, when he hunted up Sophie after 
her flight from their little home in Montreal. 
George’s motives in urging the separation and the 
divorce were now as plain as daylight. But there 
was no resentment on that account in Geoffrey’s 
heart — onh^ heartfelt 'pity, for the lonely 

jmung broker, whose life as well as his own must 
have been without one ray of hope. 

Yes, I remember quite well,” answered Geof- 
frey". You were saydng that ” 

I was going to tell y^ou that up to that time I 
fancied Fenton and Ada were rather fond of each 
other, but since then I don’t know what to think 
about my" own child. She seems to have greatly 
altered, not to care much about pleasure or com- 
pany^, and in short I’m afraid, Geoffrey, it’s a harder 
blow to her than — than — Well, the fact is, Geof- 
frey, I’m glad of a chance to free my mind to some- 
body" besides Mrs. Remsford, poor woman, who is 
breaking her heart, too, I know, over this busi- 
ness. I know I can trust y"ou, Geoffrey", as much 
as though you were my" son.” 

Indeed. y"ou can, Mr. Remsford. What y"ou 
tell me is very" distressing.” 

Ah ! if we could only" between us manage in 
some way" to pull Fenton out of his grief. If you 
could induce him to come to us. I know it would 
be such a comfort to poor Ada, and who knows 
but it would in the end be a blessing to him- 
self.” 


172 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


There was a suspicious wateriness about the old 
gentleman’s eyes as he spoke. 

I will, at least, make an effort, Mr. Rems- 
ford. But I must tell you I have already failed 
completely to induce him to come with me on a 
little trip to California. I did not then know as 
much as you have told me. I could not imagine 
what had come over George ; but now, of course, it 
is all clear,” said Geoffrey. 

When are you going away ? ” inquired Mr. 
Rems ford. 

^^Next week,” was Geoffrey’s response. And 
in the meantime I will do my best to promote the 
object of our confidential talk.” 

Mr. Remsford wrung Geoflfrey!s hand warmly, 
and said : 

Bless you, my boy. God bless you ! ” 


CHAPTER XX. 

Just like h’its mother.” 

And I say the very image of his father.” 

H’i don’t see h’it.” 

Put on your specks, then. Anyone not stone- 
blind must say he has his father’s eyes, nose and 
mouth and the same color of hair.” 

’Air ! ’air ! Ha ! ha ! ” (laughing derisively). 
‘^H’i should like to know where the ’air h’is, 
h’any’ow, h’on that little h’angel’s ’ead ? ’Ow 
can you talk of ’air when the h’infant ’as none h’at 
h’all but that little patch back h’of ’is ’ead, h’an’ 
there h’ain’t no color h’at h’all to that ? ” 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


173 


None in your eyes, perhaps, Sally ; but to me, 
who had his father hundreds of times in my arms — 
I mean when he was an infant — this baby’s hair is 
exactly the shade of diis father’s then. God bless 
you, I remember it well.” 

Mrs. Jones, you h’ar’ trying to h’impose h’on 

me.” 

Not at all, Sally. Don’t you know the hair 
changes ? As the babe grows, the hair takes a 
different shade* I have known fiery-red hair 
change to black at nineteen or twenty.” 

Laudie save us, Mrs. Jones, ’ow you do 
talk ! ” 

telling you the truth, Sally.” 

How you h’expect me to believe ? ” 

Believe or not, as you like, Sally ; it’s God’s 
truth all the same.” 

^^Well, H’i never!” exclaimed Sallj^ raising 
her hands in a kind of pious protest. 

They were the best of friends, Sally and Mrs. 
Jones, but like all the well-regulated domestics, 
they found subjects of disagreement occasionally, 
and this was not the first time the two had had a 
little ^^spat ” by reason of nurse’s habit of draw- 
ing the long bow,” as Sally called it. Quite true 
was it that Mrs. Jones had served in the Sims 
family fora great many years — over twenty, in fact 
— but it was a big exaggeration what she had said 
about having nursed the present head of the house, 
Geoffrey Sims the second, and of having fondled 
him in her arms when he was a wee infant ; never- 
theless, it is doubtful if she did not realh^ begin to 
believe it herself after all the repetitions. Sally 
was an English importation of Mrs. Geoffrey Sims 


174 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


the young-er, for of course it is not necessary to 
announce that during the years that followed the 
events narrated in the last chapter Geoffrey and 
Kate had become man and wife. To Sally’s lot 
was to fall very soon the special care of the little 
infant Sims that had popped into daylight two 
weeks before, and Sally was elated at the prospect, 
for she loved her mistress fondly, and was prepared 
to dote on the innocent babe, if only for the sake of 
its adorable mother . 

The chat between the nurse in esse and the 
nurse in posse was in the boudoir of their mistress, 
in the fine New York residence, in one of the most 
fashionable parts of New York, which Mr. Sims had 
purchased for their Eastern home. For they now 
spent part of each 3^ear in New York and San 
Francisco, and they had their own countrj^ seats in 
California and Rhode Island, where, in the sea- 
son,” they retired in the way fashionable people 
alwa^^s retire for rest. That is to say, the round of 
visits and entertainments was transferred from 
city to countr^^, for there was no more rest in the 
one place than in the other, if rest is to be defined 
as simply giving up all social duties and bur^ung 
one’s self in rural idleness. 

Bab^^ Sims lay in the lap of Nurse Jones, slum- 
bering peacefully", likeh’a little h’angel,” as Sally 
Smith expressed it. The servants, during their 
self-interested confab, failed to notice that the door 
had opened softly and that Mr. and Mrs. Sims had 
paused for an instant on the threshold . Mrs. Sinis, 
very pale and weak from the recent accouchement, 
leaned heavily on her husband’s strong arm and 
rested her head fondly on his shoulder in delighted 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


175 


contemplation of the pretty tableau formed by baby 
and the two faithful nurses. 

Dost like the picture, Pauline ? ” whispered 
Geoffrey, in the tone of Claude Melnotte. Worth 
all the labor of your big* walk, is it not, to g*aze 
upon such a spectacle — eh ! Katie ? ” 

A closer pressure of the arm rewarded him. 

They walked together slowly toward baby. 

Sally Smith jumped to her feet at once and ran 
to offer another arm to her mistress. Nurse Jones, 
who dare not stir, lest baby should be disturbed, 
beamed her own bright welcome. 

God be praised that you are up again, ma’am ; 
and well and strong you look, too. And a fine, 
beautiful, strong boy he is, more be tokens, Mr. 
Sims. 

God bless it, too, ma’am,” exclaimed Mrs. 
Jones, from her chair. 

The young mother’s face flushed with pleasure 
and her heart beat jo^Tully when she saw her 
husband lean forward and raise the precious babe, 
all bundled up in spotless white, from nurse’s 
lap. He held it cautiously to his wife’s lips 
while he exclaimed : 

There, salute his ro^^al nibs, quick, for I’m 
blest if I’m sure how to hold it. Clums^^ begin- 
ning, isn’t It, nurse ? Seems as if it might go to 
pieces in my awkward hands. Here, take it again, 
Mrs. Jones. I’m not to be trusted.” 

^•'You’ll learn soon enough, sir,” said nurse, 
smiling. But the angel is better cuddled up in 
bed now. Will I take it in, ma’am ? ” 


176 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


Yes, Mrs. Jones, and cover it up well,’’ said 
the happy mother. 

Trust me for that,” chuckled Mrs. Jones, who 
walked off, followed by Sally. 

Geoffrey placed his wife in an easj^-chair, pil- 
lowed her up, and then sat on a low stool at her 
feet. Her hand played among* the curly locks of 
his hair. 

"^How delightful to have you about again ! Do 
you know, those two weeks were like a year to 
me?” said Geoffrey. 

^^Did you miss me so much, then — so very 
much ? ” 

I should think I did ! Wi.*a>t do you take me 
for to ask such a harrowing ^[uestion ? Miss you! 
I like that. But never mind, litt^le wifey. I for- 
give everything. You may be ^s saucy as a^ou 
like. Now that you are on your pins again jmu 
may abuse me to the top of your bent. 

“ ‘ What care I, 

Oh ! what care I ? ’ 

Geoffrey sang a few verses from one of his 
favorite songs and then turned to his wife again. 

Soon, very soon, Katie, you will be able to 
travel, and we will make the promised descent on 
’Frisco. Won’t she be delighted to see you ? ” 

Especiall}^ our boy,” added the wife. 

Yes, indeed.” 

Particularly when she finds it so like j^ou, 
Geoffrey.” 

Come, that’s cool now. Like me ! How you 
must revel in poking fun at me ! At the present 
moment our precious angel, as nurse calls it, bears 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


177 


a stronger resemblance to one of those big pump- 
kins boys punch holes in for eyes and nose than 
anything else I can think of.” 

It has not much beauty at present, Geff, 
but ” 

That’s why you it’s so strikingly like its 
pa, eh, Katie ? ” interrupted Geoffrey. 

But, I was going to say, it will grow better 
and better ” 

Like it’s papa again,” once more interrupted 
Geoffrey. 

‘^Precisely,” replied Katie Sims. ^^If he only 
grows half as good and — yes — I will sa}^ it — half as 
handsome, I shall be perfectly happy.” 

Oh, you little flatterer ! ” exclaimed Geoffrey, 
kissing his wife’s thin hands with rapture. 
think I must have the best and blindest little wife 
in the world.” 

He stretched out his hand toward a little table 
on which were piled hundreds of letters and cards. 

Look at that pile, Katie. What do you think 
it means ? ” he asked, guilefully. 

I couldn’t guess, Geff. Tell me.” 

Why, congratulations, of course — congratula- 
tions on the great event — the birth of our young 
Prince Pumpkin, coupled with the rehabilitation of 
the queen, his mother,” returned Geoffrey, who 
pulled the table over to the side of his wife’s 
chair. You shall read them all presently, when 
I go out — not now — for I want to talk of some- 
thing else at this moment.” 

What is it, my love ? ” 

Do you suppose — mind, I’m not hurrying you ; 
I’m not a bit impatient — but do you suppose you 


178 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


will be strong* enough to travel two weeks from to- 
dB^y ? ’’ 

Oh ! yes, dear — perhaps sooner. I shall get 
strength quickly now. What day of the month is 
this, Geff ? 

""The 10th/’ responded Geoffrey. 

"" Two weeks from to-day, then, would be the— 
24th. Oh ! Geff, the 24th of September.” 

There was a quiver in her voice and a shadow 
flitted over her beautiful face. Geoffrey sprang to 
his feet in alarm. 

You look ill again, darling. What is the mat- 
ter ? Have 3 ^ou exerted yourself too much ? ” 

"" No, Geff ; it is not that. I was thinking of 
something. We won’t start on that date, if you 
please,” murmured his wife, unsteadily. 

""The 24th — oh ! 3 ^es — I see. Never mind, 
darling. Fix the date yourself. How thoughtless 
I have been,” answered Geoffrey, looking peni- 
tently at his wife. 

September 24th was the date of his unfortunate 
marriage with poor Sophie, and the remembrance 
brought sadness to both. 

"" Do you know, I’m superstitious about that 
date. Whenever it comes I feel unhappy, and I 
always fear some misfortune will overtake us. Isn’t 
it strange ? ” 

"‘ Well, we won’t talk of it, if jmu please. Let 
us think of something more cheerful,” said Geof- 
fre^^ who immediately plunged into a lot of non- 
sensical chatter. 

""What are you going to call the little pump- 
kin?” he asked. ""Have you searched through 
the saints’ calendar and settled on its name ? How 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


179 


would Pompey do? Pompey Sims — just fancy 
that ! Or Jupiter Sims — or Napoleon Bonaparte 
Sims — something great ; or Julius Caesar Sims — or 
Sam Slick Sims — or George Washington Sims — 
patriotic and cuphoneous ! Or, how would Pump- 
kin Pie Sims go ? You know there is a decidedlj^ 
aristocratic party in New York who was christened 
Preserved Fish. Pumpkin Pie Sims would be even 
more startling than Preserved Pish. What a row 
it would make among our friends in ’Frisco ! An 
angelic pumpkin pie is not a bad idea, is it ? ” 

His wife smiled at each extravagance. For the 
moment the shadow was gone. 

When you have completed your list of the-sub- 
lime and the ridiculous I will tell you, Geff, what 
my choice would be,” said she, finally. 

^^Out Avith it, Katie; it’s sure to be something 
original, poetic and appropriate,” answered Geof- 
frey. 

‘^I would like to call our baby Geoffrej^ Fisher 
Sims, after my darling husband and my poor dear 
papa,” Avhispered Mrs. Kate, throwing her arms 
about Geoffrey’s neck in a sudden burst of affection. 

You little humbug ! ” said Geoffre^^ delight- 
edly. suppose had the pumpkin been of the 
female gender you Avould have named it Geofferina 
rather than Catarina, and for the same reason. 
Katie, you’re simply a darling— my darling.” 

What trifles sometimes constitute domestic 
bliss ! 

He was still thinking of his wife’s superstition 
some hours later, when he had gone out for some 
exercise on Fifth avenue. 

Somehow I am forever doing or saying things 


180 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


that stir up unpleasant memories. To think I 
could have proposed the 24th of September ! ’’ 

Then his mind went back to the Friday mar- 
riage — Sophie’s superstitious unwillingness — her 
apprehension of some bad ending — the ^‘gov- 
ernor’s ” stubborn persistence — and the solemniza- 
tion of the ceremon}^ on the famous Black Friday. 

“Who shall say it is nonsense, after that ? No 
marriage could have been more wretched — no two 
persons more unsuitable as wife and husband than 
Sophie and myself. And yet how lucky George 
was on the same day ! Ah ! well, it is a strnnge 
world. How apt we are to ascribe to superstition 
or some other absurd cause our personal disasters, 
which might have been avoided by coui'age and 
sagacity. Sophie and I were never suited to each 
other. I knew it before we were married, but I 
had not the courage to act as I felt.” 

Then remembering the last anniversary of the 
unfortunate marriage — September 24th — he could 
not help smiling as he thought of the strange ex- 
citement into which both he and his wife had been 
thrown by a mere nothing. They were at the 
theater promenading in the foyer during an inter- 
act recess, when his wife called his attention to a 
large framed picture containing the photographs 
of noted actresses. Geoffrey tried to avoid stop- 
ping before the picture, but his wife insisted. 

“That is a beautiful face, ’’she exclaimed, point- 
ing to one of the photographs, and then turning to 
see wh3^ Geoffrey did not assent. She noticed at 
once the confusion and embarrassment in Geoffrey’s 
face. 

“ What’s the matter, Geff ? ” 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


181 


Let us walk on/’ answered Geoffrey. 

Why ? ” demanded his wife. 

She turned her gaze again on the picture and 
noticed beneath the face that had fixed her atten- 
tion two words : 

Sophie Vernon ! ” 

Oh ! ” was all she could say as she hur^’ied 
awa}^ with her husband. 

She was very silent during the rest of the per- 
formance, and when the play was over and they 
were walking along Broadway toward their hotel 
a poor beggar woman suddenly accosted his wife, 
throwing her into an unreasonable fright. The 
woman had looked earnestly into his wife’s e3’^es 
and then disappeared as suddenly as she had come. 

^^Oh! that look! that look ! that look I It re- 
minded me somehow of the photograph in the 
lobby,” his wife had cried with a shiver. 

What an imagination she must have ! Poor 
Sophie I Seems to me the recollection of m}^ first 
wife is destined alwaj^s to bring a little cloud over 
present happiness.” 

He walked ahead rather more briskl}". 

I’ll hunt up George and make him promise to 
be godfather to Prince Pumpkin. That’s what 
I’ll do.” 


182 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


CHAPTER XXL 

George Fenton still retained his Wall Street 
office and occupied himself with finance. ^‘Un- 
lucky at love, lucky at play/’ was fully verified in 
his case. He had been extremely successful and 
was now one of the wealthiest and safest of the 
men who played with the fire of speculation. It 
goes without saying, too, that he had gradually 
worked out of the horrible spell of despondency in 
'which we last left him. Time generally heals up 
all such wounds as he had suffered, and that his 
convalescence had advanced far must be taken for 
granted, since he had not only resumed his visits to 
the Remsford family, but had actually become en- 
gaged to Miss Ada. It is true he was not in love 
again, but he had a ver^" strong affection for the 
little maiden, who seemed to worship the very 
ground on which he trod. He respected greatly 
her good parents also, and, on the whole, he 
argued it would be better for himself, as well as 
happiness for Miss Ada, to set up a home of his 
own with the young lady as its mistress. 

On the same day that Geoffrey Sims was strid- 
ing down Fifth avenue to hunt up the intended 
godfather, George Fenton was seated in his office, 
when a stranger was announced. 

My name is Horace Becham, of the Canadian 
police — in short, I am a detective from Montreal, 
sir, and my business with you, sir, is of the gravest 
importance,” said the stranger, on entering the 
broker’s sanctum. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


183 


Sit down, sir/’ said George Fenton, motioning 
to a chair with his elbow, for his two hands were 
bus3^ with the tape that rolls over the gold and 
stock ticker, rolling out the varying prices and the 
latest little bits of news from all parts of the 
world. ‘^Sit down, and make 3^ourself comfortable 
for a moment — just one second,” repeated Fenton, 
while he scanned the figures with the absorbed air 
of Wall Street during busy hours. Now, sir, I 
am at jmur service,” he added, wheeling around in 
his chair to confront his visitor ; what can I do for 
you, tO'daj^ ? ” 

Fenton saw before him a queer, flashy-looking 
man in whose shirt-front glittered a big diamond 
pin fastened to a scarlet cravat. The coat, vest 
and trousers were of different patterns, but all 
what would be termed loud” ; a ponderous watch- 
chain hanging from the watch-pocket in the trou- 
sers was also loud.” The diamond ring on his little 
finger was decidedlj" ^Goud.” A gold headed cane 
in his hand certainly bespoke a man loving dis- 
play. 

Fenton took in all these points at a glance, as 
well as the peculiarities of his visitor’s ph^^sique — 
a keen, aquiline nose, a heavy lower jaw, a pair of 
bright eyes with a queer, cunning expression, a 
fresh, ruddy complexion and a strong, muscular 
frame. The impression he received from his one 
quick glance was that the man before him was not 
ill-favored," though probabl}^ vulgar — 3^es, and a 
trifle suspicious-looking. 

At the question — What can I do for you to- 
day?” — the visitor smiled oddly, and repeated : 

I am a detective.” 


184 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


Oh ! ’’ ejaculated FentoiL who had not at- 
tended to the words uttered before his visitor, 
and what business can a detective have with me ? ” 

^‘^You are an intimate friend of Mr. Geoffrey 
Sims ? ” observed the visitor. 

^•'Yes.’’ 

And you would reg*ret aii}^ misfortune to 
him?’’ — 

^‘Decidedly,” said Fenton, with sudden interest. 

^^And you would do a g*reat deal to ward off 
any misfortune to him ? ” 

Certainl^^, Mr. You have not favored me 

with your name,” said Fenton, uneasil^L 

Horace Becham is my name, which I did men- 
tion before. You will excuse me for making* the 
remark, but, be George, my name is well known in 
Canada and England in connection with the detect- 
ive service and ” 

You have some communication to make that 
concerns my friend, Mr. Sims? Will you oblige 
me by coming to the point without dela^’’ ? ” 

Again Becham smiled in his queer way, and 
Fenton thought there was something sinister in 
the flash of the eyes and the curl of the lip. 

If unnecessary delay occurs, it won’t be my 
fault, sir,” said Becham, but there are prelimi- 
naries that must be observed. Yes, sir, the busi- 
ness is of too much importance for haste.” 

^^Then, in Heaven’s name, out with the prelimi- 
naries,” exclaimed Fenton, with some impatience. 

First, then, you must promise to regard my 
communication as confidential, no matter how 
deeply it may affect you or others.” 

^^All right.” 


BLACK FRIDAY, 


185 


Then you must tell me at once whether^ sup« 
posing* something serious — something dangerous to 
your friend were it to become known — and which 
can be prevented^ I say supposing such to be the fact 
— you would be willing to pay handsomely for its 
suppression. Yes or no, sir? ” said Becham, with 
a sharp, eager look. 

'‘You may take it for granted I would make 
any sacrifice, percuniar^^ or otherwise, for my 
friend’s sake,” answered Fenton, with a touch of 
apprehension. 

Becham and Fenton eyed each other suspiciously 
for a moment — Fenton with a vague alarm, won- 
dering what communication his visitor could have 
to make, and whether he might not simply be some 
daring impostor ; Becham, to see if he could trust 
this American gentleman with his valuable secret. 

" Will you oblige me b}^ proceeding ? ” observed 
Fenton, not relishing such unusual scrutin3^ 

" Yes, sir; I feel sure I may trust you,” re- 
marked Becham, as if talking to himself rather 
than to Fenton. 

" Then please proceed,” said Fenton. 

" Your friend Sims is married, I believe?” re. 
marked Becham, interrogatively. 

"Yes.” 

" And to his second wife ? ” demanded Becham, 

Fenton started, and a triumphant sparkle was 
emitted from the detective’s eyes. _ 

" Really, I don’t see what such questions have 
to do ” 

"Excuse me, they have much to do with the 
case, sir. I shall ask no unnecessaiy questions,” 
answered Becham. 


186 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


Well, then, I cannot answer unless I know the 
object,’^ said Fenton, in a tone that betrayed mis- 
trust. 

^'Your hesitation is an answer, sir; it shows 
that Sims had another wife, and I may take it for 
g*ranted, sir, that there was no divorce ” 

What do you mean ? ’’ exclaimed Fenton, 
jumping- to his feet. 

Don’t get excited, sir, it will do no good. Best 
way, sir, is to keep perfectly cool like me,” said the 
detective, smiling in a patronizing way. 

Fenton sat down again and waited. Becham 
coughed a few times and then resumed. 

What I mean is that I know Mr. Sims was 
married privately to an actress named Sophie Ver- 
non, supposed to have been killed in a railroad acci- 
dent a few 3"ears ago.” 

What do you mean, sir ? What do you mean 
by ^supposed ’ ? ” cried Fenton, again rising nerv- 
ously and regarding his visitor with astonishment. 

Pst ! hush! Let us talk quietly,” said Be- 
cham, with an air of caution. ‘^You see' I aiji 
talking with knowledge — not wildly, Mr. Fenton, 
and ” 

^^The lad^" wdiose name you mentioned was 
killed, sir. There is no doubt about that fact,” 
observed Fenton. 

The detective smiled in his odd way. 

I said ^supposed to have been killed’ and I 
repeat it,” said the detective, in a low tone. 

My God ! man, you don’t mean to insinuate a 
doubt — that she was not killed — that she is not 
dead ? ” gasped Fenton, turning suddenly as white 
as the immaculate blotter on the desk before him. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


187 


I do/’ whispered the detective. 

3^0 u understand why I ask you to talk low and cau- 
tiousl.y.” 

"'Great Heavens! what does this mean? ’’ex- 
claimed Fenton, jumping to his feet. 

“ Listen to me, then, sir, as calmly as yon 
can, and I will put the case in as few words as 
possible. Supposing his first wife to be still living, 
he being re-married, the fact would be most dis- 
tressing, would it not ? Its suppression would be 
most desirable, would it not ? His present happi- 
ness, his wife’s, his child’s future — he has a child, 
I have learned — would be blasted by a disclosure. 
Is not this true, sir?” said the detective, whose 
keen eyes were fixed upon Fenton, watching the 
effect of each of his words. 

The young broker was speechless with aston- 
ishment. 

“ I am aware, sir,” continued the detective, 
“ that this supposition must appear astounding to 
jmu, and I can understand your amazement and 
embarrassment. But jmu must admit that sup- 
posing what I have said to be the truth, the result 
would be disastrous if the truth — well, in plain 
words — if the truth cannot be suppressed.” 

“ Certainl^^” gasped Fenton, dropping into his 
chair with a tremor. 

"^But if it can be suppressed — if through my 
agency — by m^^ skillful management — remember, 
no one else knows of this and no one shall through 
me — then ” 

The detective paused. He seemed to expect 
some encouragement from Fenton, who was still 
too much bewildered to speak. 


188 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


Then, I repeat, the situation need not be so 
bad/" added Becham. What do 3^ou say ? ” 
Fenton tried in vain to control the agitation 
which shook him. He tried to make some answer, 
but the words seemed to stick in his throat. He 
could only motion to his visitor. 

I see you are greatly distressed, sir, and I ask 
your pardon. Be George ! I never could have 
dreamed my disclosure was going to have such an 
effect on you, sir. You could not look worse, if she 
bad been your own wife, be George ! ” 

Stop, stop ! ’’ cried Fenton, at last. 

^^Take your own time, sir,” answered the de- 
tective, placidly. 

^^This — this amazing disclosure~if — if it is 
reallj^ the truth, does overcome me so deeply 
that I am not prepared to answer immediately, 
Mr.— Mr. ” 

Becham, sir, Becham,” interjected the de- 
tective. 

You are a perfect stranger to me. You come 
with the most astounding disclosure,” resumed 
Fenton. ^“^How am I to know that you are not 
mistaken ? ” 

The detective smiled. 

I understand what you would say. Perhaps I 
am an impostor ; perhaps I am only inventing this 
tale to swindle you or your friend. Isn’t that it? 
My dear sir, do you think I could hope to make you 
believe unless I was ready with the proof — unless I 
was prepared to demonstrate beyond all possible 
doubt what I say? Remember, this step on my 
part is attended with great peril to me. It might 
mean my ruin, whether true or false, unless I can 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


189 


rely on your honor as a gentleman. I do rely on 
it, sir.’^ 

Fenton was again startled at the clear way in 
which the detective read what was passing in his 
mind. 

Then tell me at once what is your proof ? 
asked the broker. 

Herself/’ answered Becham. 

To save his life, Fenton could not repress an- 
other start. 

Would that be proof enough?” added Be- 
cham, who was now quite sure of his man. 

Herself ! ” repeated Fenton. Herself ! 
alive ! ” 

Yes, alive,” said Becham, in a very low tone. 

Great God ! can this be true ? Oh ! Sophie, 
Sophie ! ” exclaimed Fenton, in a voice that be- 
trayed to the keen detective something of the 
truth as to the broker’s own feelings toward the 
actress. — Where is she, then? where is she ? can 
I see her ? Is she well ? ” 

The detective was himself rather startled at the 
vehemence of his questioner, and hesitated how to 
frame his answers. It would hot do, he thought, 
to tell too much all at once. He must first clinch 
some kind of bargain with this excited broker. 

I will tell you all I know, Mr. Fenton, but jmu 
must understand that on my part this affair is a 
business transaction. Pure business, be George, 
and the preliminaries must be settled before we go 
further,” said Becham. 

You can take me to her — give me an oppor- 
tunity to see he: —to speak to her ? ” 

•'Cer*ainly, of course.” 


190 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


^^Then have no fear about the preliminaries.’’ 

'^That’s all very well, jo\i know, but, be 
Qeorg*e, it’s not doing* things regular, you see.” 

What is it you want ? ” 

^‘1 want to be paid for my secret — well paid for 
the risk I run. You see it’s a big risk for me.” 

Speak plainly and at once. What is it you 
ask?” 

I want ten thousand dollars down, and I want 
to be — yes, I have a plan for looking after the — 
the — girl — regular like — for which I would ask 
monthly allowances ” 

^Wes, yes, we will settle all that satisfacto- 
ril^L” 

And you will pay me the ten thousand down — 
now — on the spot?” asked the detective, eagerly. 

will pay you that amount the moment 3^ou 
lead me to her — the moment I am convinced she 
is alive.” 

The detective’s face showed disappointment for 
a moment — but only for a moment. His brow 
cleared, and he answered : 

That’s fair enough, after all. But I have 
your word of honor that I will be paid — that you 
will not take any unfair advantage of me, and that 
this conversation will always be confidential ? ” 

Certainly,” was the quick response. 

^^Then I am your man. When canyon come 
with me ? ” 

At once,” answered Fenton, rising; I will 
leave with you on the next train.” 

The detective’s reply was interrupted by a 
knock at Fenton’s door, and his clerk appeared. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


191 


I ^^Mr. Geoffre}^ Sims wishes to see you.’’ 

one moment. Ask him to sit down for one 
I moment/’ said Fenton, excitedly. 

The clerk disappeared. 

^^Not a word to him,” said Fenton to the de- 
' tective. We must keep this affair strict 13^ to our- 
selves. I will meet 3"ou at the Grand Central 
' Depot, to-night, and will go to Canada at once. 
Now leave me.” 

i In the outer room the detective took a good 
look at Mr. Geoffrey Sims, as he stood up to pass 
into the broker’s sanctum. The look was satis- 
factor3^ He smiled and said to himself : 

I have a good thing in this, be George. Two 
fine geese to pluck, if I’m not ver}^ much mis- 
taken.” 

His eyes wandered around the room and lighted 

I again on two shining objects he had noticed on a 
book-shelf when first he entered. He was alone in 
the room, the clerk having accompanied Mr. Sims 
/ into the broker’s sanctum. The detective took up 
one of the shining objects and examined it curi- 
ously. 

That’s neat — ver}" neat — some new pattern,” 
muttered Becham. 

He took the object to the window to inspect it 
more closel}^ and while thus engaged he heard the 
returning steps of the clerk. There was not time 
to get back to the shelf, so he thrust the shining 
object into his breast-pocket, and began to arrange 
his gloves when the clerk re-entered. 

^^Good-morning, jmung man,” said the detect- 
ive, calmly, as he passed the clerk on the way to 
the door, and then disappeared. 


192 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


''Queer-looking duck/’ soliloquized the clerk. 

Wonder what business such a fellow would have 
with Mr. Fenton ? ” 

" That was a d — d close shave/’ was Becham’s 
thought as he descended the stairs. ^'And, be 
George, I don’t know why I did the thing. It was 
stupid.” 

Out in Wall street he repeated : 

"Yes, ’twas d — d stupid in me. All I had to do 
was to put the thing back in its place openly. And 
now, be George, I have pocketed what don’t belong 
to me. And suppose he should miss it? Well, 
well, it’s done anyhow, and can’t be undone. He 
won’t suspect me, even if he does miss it. But it 
was awfully stupid.” 


CHAPTER XXII. 

Horace Becham’s great secret had come to 
him hy a lucky chance, as great secrets and dis- 
coveries often come to detectives who are popularly 
supposed onlj" to reach such results by processes of 
deep thinking and adroit maneuvering unknown to 
the outside world. He was one da^^ patrolling the 
streets of Montreal when he observed a crowd of 
young urchins following a well-dressed woman, 
whom they were annojdng by irritating cries. 
Some, more venturesome than their companions, 
even pulled at the skirt of the lady’s dress, crying 
out : 

" Hallo, scar-face ; let’s have a look ! ” 

The officer drove off the young scamps and ap- 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


193 


preached the lady. She wore a thick veil, hiding* 
her features, and walked somewhat unsteadily. 
Was she ill, or was she only a little the worse for 
liquor ? He could not just then decide, as the lady 
made no answer to his inquiries. He followed her 
to the door of her residence. He saw her enter and 
g*o upstairs. There was nothing very wonderful 
thus far for a detective to labor over. But some- 
thing had struck him about the lady the boys had 
called scar-face,” and out of pure curiosity he 
made inquiries of an old woman who entered the 
house' a few moments later. She proved to be the 
servant employed by scar-face.” He asked wh^^ 
the lady was called such a curious name, and was 
told it was because she had received a scald at one 
time that greatly disfigured her right eye and one 
side of her face. He found out also that she lived 
a quiet, retired life, all alone ; that she was well 
off, and did very much good among the poor of the 
city. It took a good deal of probing and some lit- 
tle sacrifice of silver coins to extract from the old 
French domestic the information that madame 
sometimes drank wine when ,she was ver^^, very 
sad, and then, vous savey*, monsieur ; well, what 
would you have, monsieur ? ” 

What, indeed ? thought Becham. Why should 
this woman, with plenty" of monej^, be sad ? he 
asked himself. There is a myster}^ here. It may 
be worth my while to look into it.” 

He pursued a systematic plan of pumping the 
old domestic. He professed great interest in her 
mistress’s case, and won the heart of the unsus- 
pecting French woman by well-timed expressions 
of sympathy. Da^^ after day, week after week, he 


194 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


made it his business to waylay the servant and 
extract new bits of information. Early in his 
search he had discovered that madame, in her 
cups/’ was in the habit of speaking* of some mar- 
riag*e, evidenth^ an unhappy one, and of letting out 
in her unconscious mutterings little pictures of her 
former life with a wealthy husband, and of a career 
on the stage. Had it not been for these chance 
hints, Becham might have abandoned his self-im- 
posed investigations of the Scar-Face ” mystery, 
as he called it, after a few days’ efforts. But these 
few early bints seemed to point to some unrevealed 
facts that might prove valuable. So he persevered, 
and little by little gathered together the fragments 
of a story which only needed names, dates and a 
few minor particulars to make it complete. But it 
was precisely these names, dates and minor par- 
ticulars that would prove whether the complete 
stor^^ was worth something or nothing to a man of 
detective instincts. 

He had completely blinded the old servant to his 
ulterior motive, and enlisted her warmest co- 
operation and sympathy hy persuading her that, 
if she could at some time mock well and remember 
any names uttered by her mistress during her irre- 
sponsible mutterings, it might be greatly to the 
*»d vantage of her mistress as well as to herself ; 
that, in short, it might be the means of restoring 
madame to happiness and bring gold to herself. 
Thereafter the servant made a great point of lis- 
tening attentively to the unconscious mutterings, 
which before she had avoided doing as much as 
possible. One day she did distinctly catch names 
and the incidents of a railroad accident, described 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


195 


with such powerful realism that the servant trem- 
bled as she listened. When next Becham ap- 
peared the whole story, with names, was repeated 
by the servant. In the detective’s hands, it proved 
to be the key to the whole myster3^ He remem- 
bered distinctly the railroad accident, and the ac- 
count published of Belle Sanders’s death. Was it 
not possible that Belle was scar-face ” ? But why 
should she conceal her existence, if she were reallj^^ 
Belle Sanders ? What motive could there be for 
that ? It was true there were the mutterings about 
a secret marriage ; but Belle Sanders was never 
known to have married, and all his inquiries as to 
the private life of the actress led to the same con- 
clusion. 

I wonder if Sanders had some other name — if 
it was only a stage name ? The theater people 
ought to be able to tell about that,” concluded the 
detective, who looked over his memoranda of the 
scraps of information given to him from time to 
time by the old servant. Sims, Fenton,” he 
said. ^^If I could only find out who they are, 
now ? ” 

He did find out — accidentally, again — about one 
of them, at least. This was through a paragraph 
in a morning newspaper^ mentioning some big 
financial scheme in which the young millionaire 
Sims was supposed to be interested. 

Sims, the California millionaire ! ” exclaimed 
Becham, whose head fairly swam in the intoxi- 
cation of the excitement raised by the thought 
that perhaps Belle Sanders and Geoffre^^ Sims had 
had ’^relations” in the past; perhaps they had 
been secretly married — perhaps the gay young 


196 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


swell had arranged a make-believe marriage with 
the actress to quiet her scruples. 

In either case the thing is worth something/^ 
he wound up by telling himself. 

He set in train quite a skillful series of inquiries 
relative to the antecedents of the ^^fair Sanders/’ 
resulting finally in the discovery that the name 
was only an assumed one — that Belle Sanders 
came from New York originally — that there was 
good reason to suppose her first name had been 
Sophie Yernon ; then from this point he traced 
Sophie Yernon to Mrs. Sands and from Mrs. Sands 
to the intimacy of Geoffrey Sims and Sophie 
Yernon. 

^^That looks like a good chain/’ he exclaimed, 
but I must rivet all the links finally before I play 
my last card.” 

The riveting business was accomplished the 
very same day by a very bold move on the part of 
Mr. Becham. This was a letter, written by him- 
self, asking for an interview with Belle Sanders. 
The envelope was addressed in a bold, round hand 
to "'Mrs. Geoffrey Sims.” 

The detective handed this letter to the old serv- 
ant, bidding her to deliver it to her mistress, while 
he sat down in the parlor to await developments. 

A moment after the servant withdrew to the 
next room the detective heard a scream, followed 
immediately by the appearance of the mistress, 
holding his own letter in her hand, trembling from 
head to foot. The detective saw before him the 
lady called scar-face.” The right side of her face 
showed a great, red-shining mark, beginning at the 
temple, extending over the outward corner of the 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


197 


eye, down the whole cheek and neck until it was 
lost beneath the collar of her dress. The general 
appearance of the huge, disfiguring scar was like 
that one sees sometimes on the face of a recovered 
small-pox patient. The left side of this lady’s face, 
however, was scathless. There was not a mark 
upon it, and as, in her intense excitement, she moved 
her head from side to side, the contrast was most 
curious, almost laughable. The detective well un- 
derstood at a glance why the street urchins derived 
so much fun from plaguing Mrs. Scar-face.” 

^^You — you wish to see me — me?” said the 
lady, breathing excitedly, and pointing her hand 
to her bosom. 

^•Yes, Mrs. Sims,” quickly answered Becham. 
^^You, and nobody else, madame. But there is n 
occasion for any alarm. I beg you to be calm, 
madame. Your secret is safe with me, Mrs. 
Sims.” 

Secret! Secret!” echoed the lady. ^''What 
do you mean hy such words ? Whj^ do you call 
me Mrs. Sims ? ” nervously asked the lady. 

For no evil purpose, be sure, madame, I am 
perfectly well aware of your true name, Mrs. Sims. 
I know all about Miss Vernon, and Miss Belle 
Sanders, too.” 

Merciful Heavens ! ” 

The cry was like that of a heart-broken woman. 

Oh ! why can I not rest here in peace ? Why 
cannot I remain unknown and undisturbed ? ” 

^^You are distressing yourself unnecessarily, 
Mrs. Sims. I have told you that your secret is 
safe with me. Accident has disclosed to me— an 
officer of the law, Mrs. Sims — ^your great secret. 


198 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


and I do not come to give you trouble, but to offer 
my assistance — my advice — my s^^mpathy. Perad- 
venture, my aid and advice may be useful to you, 
madame. Yes, perad venture/’ 

The detective used the word peradventure ’’ 
with the air of a man who had made some grand 
philological discovery, and waved his hand gra- 
ciously in token of great patronage. 

I don’t know what you mean, sir. I have 
never seen you in my life before, and I can’t con- 
ceive how you or any other human being can serve 
me, except by leaving me to my own much desired 
obscurity,” said Mrs. Sophie Sims. seek no 
aid, no advice, no sympathy. Why should you, a 
stranger, tender them to me unasked ? ” 

^^Mrs. Sims ! ” he began. 

I beg 3^ou will not use that name again,” she 
said, hurriedly. 

Madame, I am an officer of the law. Do you 
pretend to deny to me that you are not Mrs. 
Sims?” 

She began to sob h^^sterically. 

implore you not to — to — torture me in this 
way. Tell me what you seek from me. If 3"OU 
are an officer of the law, what is your business 
with me ? Why may I not live in peace and seclu- 
sion without the law disturbing me ? ” 

^^The law does not propose to disturb you, mad- 
ame,” replied Becham, soothing^ ; only pure 
sympath}^ actuates me. I understand you wish to 
remain incog, and, so far as I am concerned, 3^ou 
shall remain so forever. But you must remember 
that to keep your secret you need to be very careful 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


199 


yourself — never to — in fact, you must know what I 
wish to say ” 

A deep flush spread over the unscarred part of 
her face and neck. The officer’s evident allusion 
to her own one fatal weakness and its probable 
consequences humbled her to the very dust. 

Forgive me for doubting youv motive, sir,” 
she murmured. ''I see your intention was truly 
Christian and charitable.” • 

Be George, you’re right there, madame. You 
see now why I have come to warn you privately. 
The consequences to your husband, who, as you 
know, supposing you to have died, married another 
woman, would be very disastrous, indeed. They 
would destiw your own object — whatever it is — 
for remaining unknown in this way in a strange 
country. You will be careful, therefore, hereafter, 
and you will freely pardon my interference now 
that you understand my motive. Beyond the per- 
ad venture of a doubt, madame, you may trust me 
— me, honest Horace Bechain of the Canadian de- 
tective force.” 

^^Yes, I will trust you, sir,” was her meek 
reply. 

And now, Mrs. — Mrs. — ah ! — let us say 
madame — I will take my leave. Should you at any 
time need my services yodr servant will know where 
to find me. I shall give her my address. Allow 
me to take my leave.” 

Horace Becham, while returning to Canada in 
the company of George Fenton, outlined the main 
facts which we have given above, omitting, of 
course, such facts as might prejudice him in the 
eyes of the honorable broker. Long before the two 


200 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


travelers reached Montreal Fenton was fully con- 
vinced of the truth of the detective’s story. It 
would have been utterly impossible for any mere 
impostor to relate some particular facts that 
Becham knew about the relations of Sophie, 
Geoffrey and himself.^ 

What an extraordinary linking together of 
their three lives there had been ! How .disaster 
had followed disaster, drawing them together, 
driving them apart, and now reuniting them 
after so many 3^ears, just as though fate took a 
malicious pleasure in sporting with their most 
sacred ties and feelings ! 

‘^What is to be the end of all this misery?” 
Fenton asked himself. ^^Poor Geff and his wife! 
Poor Ada, too, and Sophie herself ! ” 

He never seemed to think of exclaiming : 
‘^Poor me, too!” 

Pure self was the last consideration with the 
white-haired, prematurely aged young broker of 
Wall Street. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


201 


CHAPTER XXIII. 

How THE wind whistled through the streets 
the phenomenally cold morning Fenton and Be- 
cham arrived in Montreal and trudged along the 
pavements with their ulsters buttoned up tight to 
their ver3^ chin just as though it were mid-Winter ! 
Yet it was only mid-September, and they had left 
such genial warmth and gentle zephyrs in New 
York City only such a short time before. To the 
broker, Nature seemed to s^anpathize with the 
whirlwind of his own thoughts. The' cold that bit 
into his very marrow was nothing to the icy shiver 
of his heart. 

‘^What is this feeling that is over me? Is it 
the prospect of seeing poor Sophie, raised from the 
dead, as it were ? Sophie bereft of her beauty — 
Scar-face Sophie? No, it is not that — Sophie could 
never be an^^thing but the old bright and beautiful 
girl to me, no matter how time or disaster may 
have changed her outward appearance. It was her 
good, simple, trustful soul — the spiritual beauty 
within her, that I loved — not the mere exteribr 
loveliness of face and figure, for to me there always 
was a true beauty of soul in spite of all the lightness 
and apparent thoughtlessness — something angelic 
which survived all the trumpery and artificiality of 
her surroundings. I think this horrible ic}^ earth- 
quake within must be the premonition of unseen 
disasters to come. What more, oh God ! what 
more ? ’’ 

The bright’ hotel fires could not thaw the frost 


202 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


of liis feeling’s, nor the hot coffee that he swallowed 
greedily warm up the cold blood congealing in his 
veins. 

Am I going to be ill now — ill when I need all 
my strength of mind and body? ’’ 

No, he was not going' to be ill. He was only 
feeling that cold grip that sometimes holds the hu- 
man heart before the dormant fires burst their 
bonds — like the sleeping volcano that suddenly 
casts off its pale mantle of snow and trebly firm 
barrier of ice. 

The detective accompanied him to the hotel, but 
Fenton only bore his presence for the time needed 
in drawing a check. He no longer doubted he was 
about to meet Sophie face to face, and he threw 
Becham the promised check for ten thousand dol- 
lars. 

^^Now leave me, I shall not need your services 
until I have seen her — her. Then I will send for 
you, if I need you.^^ 

The detective’s audacity was not strong enough 
to trifie with the broker’s mood. He saw he was 
not expected to say a word — only to take his check 
and get off. 

He’s a strange man. I’m not so sure I can 
manage him as easily as I thought. It would have 
been better if I had gone first to the other. He 
looked softer and more manageable. Well, there’s 
one consolation anyhow. The other is always 
come-at-able if this queer one fails me. Yes, be 
George. I’m safe anyhow,” thought the detective, 
hurrying away to his own home. 

If it were only over — if I onl}^ knew what I 
am going to do — whether I can trust myself,” was 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


203 


the burden of Fenton's thoug*hts as the hours 
chased each other by. He was growing* colder and 
weaker every moment, he believed. Whether he 
stood over the blazing fire, or walked the floor of 
his room that horrible cold fastened about him 
with a tighter grip constantly. He could bear it 
no longer when the clock sounded its ten strokes. 

Ten o’clock ! only ten. I can’t stand it. I 
must get out — away — to her house — while I ^^et 
have force. Oh ! God, keep me up till then.” 

He buttoned up his coat and faced the polar 
blasts again. But it was a relief. He was mov- 
ing toward the goal ; each second and minute 
brought him nearer. It was not far — St. Cath- 
erine street — and he was soon before the house 
he sought — inside the door — mounting the stairs. 
Then he paused, just as he had done once be- 
fore long ago, when he visited Sophie after see- 
ing her at the theater. He rubbed his two hands 
together. It was like the friction of lumps of 
ice, so cold was the contact. With a new shiver — 
a shiver like the ague — he knocked at the door. 
The sound had hardly died away when the door 
opened and he saw before him the old servant — 
the same through whom BecbR'ni had found So- 
phie. 

^^Is your mistress in?” He hardly knew his 
own voice. 

Yes, sir; walk in. Who shall I say would 
speak her ? ” 

A friend ; say only that.” 

Fenton’s solemn visage, his cold, distant man- 
ner, the long, silver3^ hair flowing down almost 
about his shoulders, caused Regnier, the 


204 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


domestic, to class him as a clergyman. She told 
her mistress as much — a clergyman was waiting 
to speak with her ; and Sophie, much astonished at 
such an unexpected visit, hastened to throw a veil 
over the disfigured side of her face, and, quickly 
fastening the strings of her loose morning gown, 
she entered the sitting-room. Fenton was stand- 
ing examining a photograph over the mantel- 
piece — a photograph of Geoffrey Sims — neatly 
framed, and covered with a fine silk veil, which he 
had pulled aside. 

You wished to see me ? ’’ 

He turned quickly and faced Sophie. She did 
not recognize him at once. 

Do you not know me ? ’’ he exclaimed, with a 
flushed face. Do you not remember me ? ’’ 

A puzzled face, then a gleam of recognition, a 
half-startled exclamation of surprise and fear, and 
she advanced a few steps. 

Can it be possible ! Yes, it is you — George 
Fenton.’’ 

She stretched forth both hands and ran toward 
him. The veil fell from her face, and disclosed the 
hideous disfigurement. 

Oh ! George, George ! ” 

My poor — Sophie ! ” 

In a moment he was at her side and had taken 
her in his arms, pressing her to his heart. The 
cold feeling had gone, the ice had melted in an in- 
stant before the inrush of the hot, passionate blood 
now bounding tumultuously in his veins. 

Sophie ! dear, dear Sophie ! 1113" poor child ! ” 
he cried, kissing her madl}", as she rested unresist- 
am 4 ^ his arms. Unknown to him, in the wild. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


205 


feverish impulse that possessed him, she had fainted 
his arms. The joy, the fear, the shame had 
robbed her of consciousness. When the truth 
flashed on him he cried out for help, fearing the 
shock had killed her. Her hands were ic}’" cold, 
and there was no sign of respiration. Poor old 
Regnier, rushing in, rubbed the cold hands until 
heat came back again, and a faint sigh escaped 
from the bloodless lips. He had drawn her to the 
sofa, and sat down beside her with her head rest- 
ing on his arm, when her eyes re-opened. 

Oh ! George, George ! ” 

poor, dear child ! he answered, gently 
pressing her head with infinite tenderness. I 
have frightened you. Oh, forgive me, Sophie, for- 
give me.” 

All at once she seemed to realize her position, 
resting in George Fenton’s arms, and released her- 
self from his support. Embarrassment kept her 
silent until he spoke again. 

Have I offended you, Sophie ? Are you dis- 
pleased that I have come? Are you not glad to 
see me, ^mur old — devoted — friend ? ” 

She turned her head away and wept, but she 
gently pressed his hand, saying : 

^^Yes, George, I* am glad — very glad. Is it 
possible you can still like to see me — see me, so 
changed, this waj^ ? ” 

She pointed nervously to her disfigured face. 

My poor child. Do you think jour misfort- 
unes could change — my — my — feelings ? ” He was 
about to say my love,” but quickly substituted 
the milder word. ^^Ah! Sophie, you must think 
very meanly of me if you suppose that such a tri- 


206 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


fling circumstance could make any difference to 
me.’’ 

She put both hands to her cheeks^ covering her 
face and turning away. 

^^To me, you are dearer than ever, my child. 
Don’t turn away from me, Sophie. Don’t fear to 
look at me. ^hat little blemish is nothing to me.” 

^^Nothing!” she murmured, almost inaudibly. 

Yes, my child, nothing. I could alwa^^s love 
you, no matter how changed you might be. Do 
you not believe me 3^et ? ” 

I do, George. You must be the best and 
noblest of men, and the most considerate and de- 
voted of brothers. I am grateful, oh ! so trulj^ 
grateful, Mr. Fenton, and grieved that I did not 
appreciate 3^ou better.” 

Ah ! 3"ou were wrong, ver^^- wrong, my child, 
to seclude ^murself thus from all the world,” he 
whispered . 

How could I think that anj^one could care for 
me tlius ? How can you think that I could like to 
be seen b}^ an^^ of my former friends, so changed 
and ” 

Ah ! Sophie, it pains me to hear you say such 
bitter things.” 

will not, then, since it grieves you. But 
how did 3^011 find me ? Ah ! I need not ask. It 
must have been through that good man — that Mr. 
Becham. But he promised not to do so.” 

^^He did right, then, to break such a wicked 
promise. Listen to me now, Sophie. I have come 
here to take 3"ou awa3^ from all this sadness — to 
watch over 3"ou forever — to— — ” 

‘^^'Oh! don’t, George; don’t speak that wa3L I 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


207 


cannot go back to the old world — indeed I cannot. 
1 am better as I am. It would have been far bet- 
ter if I had died in that fearful accident than to 
have survived as I am/’ moaned the poor girl, 
wringing her hands piteously. 

Listen to me, Sophie. I know how natural it 
must be for one like you to think as you do now. 
But it is wrong, almost wicked. Besides, you ex- 
aggerate. The little blemish which you have sus- 
tained is really of no consequence to anybody but 
yourself. I mean, of course, that it is unfortunate 
for you, because it makes you feel sad, but for your 
friends — for me — it only makes you more dear and 
sacred. You must not blame God for this visita- 
tion. After all, what is it compared to the mis- 
fortunes of others ? But come, we will not discuss 
such a trifling matter further. I have come to 
carry you off, and I mean to do so, whether you 
consent or not. Do you suppose I will leave you 
again, now that I have found you ? No, indeed, 
m3" child. But tell me how 3’ou hid awa}" — where 
you went after the accident ? I searched for you 
everywhere, and only found these — these little 
things which I have preserved ever since.” 

He took from his pocket a little leather case, 
which he opened, disclosing the scorched handker- 
chief and faded piece of the marked petticoat. 

Oh ! my dear friend, how good you are ! how 
truly devoted and lo3^al ! ” exclaimed Sophie, with 
a touch of tenderness and pity in her voice. 

George Fenton interpreted trulj". It was only 
the tenderness and pity for a hopeless love. He 
closed the little leather case sadly and restored it 
to his pocket. 


208 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


Now tell me all,” he said, resolutely suppress- 
ing* every sign of the deep agony at his heart. 

Sophie’s account of her rescue was ver^^ brief 
and simple. She had been carried in an ambulance 
to the house of a clergyman some three miles from 
the scene of the disaster. There she remained for 
three days before consciousness returned, and then 
so extreme were her sufferings that they were 
obliged to administer anaesthetics again and again. 
She strug'gled on for over a week with only occa- 
sional intervals of consciousness. Then the crisis 
was over : she began to recover, and to distinguish 
the good people about her. They asked her name, 
and she gave that of her childhood. 

For, George,” she continued, my real name 
is not Sophie Vernon an}" more than Belle Sanders. 
Both were names adopted for the stage. My fa- 
ther was an Episcopal minister, of Connecticut — 
the Rev. Charles Wallace — and to prevent him 
from interfering with my love for tlie stage, I 
dropped my real name, which was Clara Wallace, 
and assumed that of Sophie Vernon. I had disap- 
peared from home without giving any explanation, 
and I believe my father thought I was dead. From 
the time I left home until he wa^s in his coffin I 
never saw him again. It was heartless, perhaps, 
but I wanted to save him from the humiliation and 
sorrow I knew he would feel if he learnt I had be- 
come an actress.” 

Sophie broke down at this point of her recital, 
and wept bitter tears. Fenton could only mur- 
mur : 

Poor girl, poor girl ! ” 

^^Well, I gave them the name of Clara Wal- 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


209 


lace, and then when I fully recovered and found 
that I had become such a wreck — that people 
thought Sophie Vernon or Belle Sanders was dead 
— I thought I would let the impression remain. It 
was better than to go back and meet the shuddering 
aversion of those who had once known me as Miss 
Vernon or Miss Sanders. I may have been wrong, 
as wrong as I was even when a child to take up 
the career of an actress, leaving home and father 
and losing friends. I have had my punishment, 
God knows, but I am willing to bear it. You are 
the only real friend that is left to me in all this 
world.’’ 

He took her hand and tried to soothe her. 

Sophie — ” he began. 

No, call me Clara now — Clara, always,” she 
interrupted. 

Well, Clara, if you will, but Sophie will always 
be the dearest name to me, my child. You are 
right in regarding me as your real friend, but 
there were others, too, whose hearts would always 
have been open to you.” 

I know what you mean, of course, but, George, 
that was impossible ; never could I see him again.” 

And do you know the consequences of your 
silence ? Have you heard what has happened since 
your supposed death ? ” asked Fenton. 

Yes, but he is happy at last. I know all but 
too well, and that is another reason why I never 
can go back — never be seen where even yet some- 
one might recognize me. You would not have me 
break up their happiness now — bring sorrow and 
shame to him and to her, and to all. Oh ! George, 
George ! ” 


210 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


The cry of despair showed but too well how 
deep and enduring* was her old love still — deeper, 
perhaps, than ever by reason of her own self-immo- 
lation. Fenton had not thoug*ht of this aspect of 
the affair until it was presented to him b^^ Sophie, 
herself. He had only thought of saving her — of 
seeing her and of forcing her to resume her old life 
with the esteemed matron in Westchester. Now 
he was puzzled to decide what to do. It was evi- 
dent Sophie was as firm as ever, and would not 
consent to break up the new and happ}’^ home of 
Geoffrey and his second wife. Nor could Fenton 
see why that should be done. 

Onl3" misery and shame to them without 
bringing happiness to Sophie,’’ he thought. But 
I cannot leave her here. She "must come back 
with me.” 

Then he thought rapidly how easily this could 
be managed. Geoffrey fre^d mever know anything 
about it, and as he was only a short part of each 
year in New York, it appeared not to be so difldcult 
to have Sophie in New York without the dangers 
of discovery. 

She must come back with me,” he repeated, 
over and over again. could no longer endure 
life otherwise. ” 

But in her then frame of mind he considered it 
would be impolitic to try to overcome the scruples 
and delicacy of her sensitive mind all at once. 

I must proceed slowl}^ and cautiously if I want 
to succeed.” 

Arrived at this conclusion, he finally said : 

Sophie, this is all so sudden for you that I will 
not force you to a decision now. Take time to 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


211 


think it over. But cast aside all morbid feel- 
ings. Look at the case like a woman of sense and 
good feeling. And remember, my dear friend, that 
in making your decision it is not necessary to take 
into consideration the chances of being discovered 
by him. There is no danger to be apprehended 
from that quarter. He could never recognize you.” 

The words were hardly uttered before he re- 
gretted them. He would have given worlds not to 
have said them. But it was too late. The shud- 
der which passed through Sophie on hearing them 
told him what a fatal misstep he had taken. 

^^Yes, I know,” moaned Sophie; know but 
too well. He would never recognize me even if I 
stood before him. Hideous disfigurement ! Even 
the children on the streets know it and mock me. 
Oh ! George, can you wonder that I shun the light 
— that I adopt this screen to my ugliness ? ” 

The veil was again placed over her face with a 
shudder. 

I did not mean that, my child — indeed I did 
not. You. misunderstood me,” said Fenton, ten- 
derly. ^^Come, we won’t discuss the point any 
more to-day. I will leave you now, but you must 
promise — oh ! ever so solemnly, Sophie — that you 
will not hide from me any more — that you will 
never go away or change 3mur abode unknown to 
iDe — and that I may come to see 3^ou whenever I 
please. Promise me, Sophie, unless you want to 
plunge me into the deepest miser3^ despair.” 

‘^^Yes, I promise and I will keep my pledge,” 
she answered, gratefully extending to him her 
hand, which he raised to his lips with fervor. 


212 


BLACK FRIDAY, 


CHAPTER XXIV. 

Extravagant, if not altogether unnatural, 
must have appeared to our readers the words and 
acts of George Fenton as related in the last chap- 
ter. How could a man rave over a poor disfigured 
girl like Sophie Sims ? What love or passion could 
survive th® wreck of mere facial beauty, under the 
peculiar circumstances we have seen surrounding 
the retired actress ? If Sophie had possessed that 
higher beauty of moral strength, unspotted life, 
and all that sort of thing, we could, perhaps, under- 
stand the continuing infatuation of a man even like 
George Fenton, whose days had not been spent in 
the contemplation of abstract perfections, but in 
the realities of a career demanding very practical 
qualities indeed. But weak Sophie Sims, destitute 
of sufficient moral force to resist the temptations of 
wine — pshaw ! the idea is absurd, we imagine some 
of our readers exclaiming. 

Well, it might be answered to such critical ob- 
servations that even so apparentlj^ improbable and 
extravagant things have happened in the history 
of the world. But,. fortunately^, we are not called 
upon to defend or explain away any such extreme 
situations. George Fenton had always discerned, 
or thought he discerned, beauties of character in 
^phie invisible perhaps to the rest of the world. 
When the veil fell from her face, he certainly was 
shocked at the painful change wrought in the ap- 
pearance of one whose face and form were formerly 
so ravishingly beautiful. But at the same instant 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


213 


a great wave of pity swept through his heart, 
and impelled him to fold her in his arms with all 
the loving warmth he could have felt before. He 
did not understand this precisely, himself, as he 
sat bj^ her side, and pleaded with her to be merci- 
ful to herself. But when he withdrew from her 
presence, it must be confessed there was a distress- 
ing reaction. It was not that, had she displayed 
any corresponding warmth, he would not have 
been prepared to make any sacrifice for her. He 
was certain he would have thrown every other con- 
sideration to the winds and have devoted his life 
to her happiness. But — well, she only felt toward 
him as a loving sister might have felt, and — 
human nature is human nature, and George Fen- 
ton was only human nature, after all. He was 
shocked at his own revulsion of feeling and shocked 
that he had been able to part from her so quietly^ 
and that the burning passion was dying in his 
heart. 

Though he had protested to himself, and even 
to her, that nothing would ever induce him to leave 
Canada without her, he found himself now con- 
templating that very step without aversion. Ever^^- 
thing had been thrown aside to hurry on to Mont- 
real. He had neglected all his engagements — 
forgotten even that he was to have been a central 
figure at a grand dinner-party at the Remsford 
mansion the very night of his departure. How 
could he have been so neglectful ? What would 
Ada think of him ? Yes, Ada ! A fiash of shame 
— of downright anger with himself — accompanied 
the thought, for was it not the truth that if he had 
found Sophie’s beauty unharmed, Ada’s form 


214 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


would not have obtruded itself at that mo- 
ment. 

^‘1 am — or I was a detestable hypocrite. Poor, 
poor Sophie ! Am I, then, only a worshiper of 
external beauty? one whose love is to be extin- 
guished by an accident, which should make her 
dearer than ever to me ? ’’ 

Such were his thoughts as he walked distract- 
edl}^ toward his hotel. But all the same, when he 
arrived there, the first thing he did was to write 
an humble letter of apologj^ to Miss Ada Remsford, 
telling her that he had been called away suddenl^^, 
without a chance to notify her in time, and that he 
would be absent for a few days longer. The few 
days extended to ten, during which he spent much 
of his time with Sophie, earnestly striving to break 
down all her objections to returning to New York. 
All the imiietuous ardor was now replaced b^^ pity. 
He could not bear the thought of leaving her to 
the sad solitude of her Canadian life, with no com- 
panion but the faithful Regnier, and perhaps an 
occasional visit from the detective Becham, who 
did not improve on closer acquaintance. He would 
arrange a comfortable home for her, he said, some- 
where near the cit}^ of New York, where she would 
be far happier and without incurring the risk of 
recognition by former acquaintances. There I 
could watch over you, Sophie, and we could be as 
brother and sister again,” he declared. But all 
his pleadings had only this result : she would think 
over it seriously, and perhaps when Geoffrey went 
away from New York on his customary trip to San 
Francisco she might consent to adopt the plan. 

So the moment for parting came — parting as 


BLACK FRIDAY, 


215 


brother and sister, Sophie weeping* bitter tears, 
but firm in her resolution. Just before they sepa- 
rated she said, with a sob : 

You will never, never tell him ? You will 
always conceal my existence from Geoffrey ? ” 

I must promise you that, Sophie, and I hope 
neither he nor she will ever learn of it, for jour 
sake — as you wish it so intensely — and for theirs,” 
answered Fenton, very gently. 

^^Is she very — very beautiful — his wife, I 
mean ? ” 

She is very — very good, dear Sophie.” 

Thank God for that. I wish him to be 
happy. To be good is better than to be beautiful. 
One lives always — the other soon dies,” she mur- 
mured, sadly. 

My dear child, your heart is breaking. Will 
you not come with me now ? Think how much 
better it will be for yourself as well as for me — 
how much more contented and satisfied it will 
make me. There will be no danger of recognition. 
Put that thought away from you forever.” 

No, no, no ; it is impossible,^ dear George. 
Impossible, impossible ! ” she cried, hurriedly. 

Sophie, I can’t leave you thus. It would be 
cruel.” 

She dried her eyes at once, and made a wonder- 
ful effort to appear calm. 

You must go, my good, good brother. This 
is only a mere passing weakness. I shall be all 
right again after you have gone. And then, you 
know, you are going to write to me often, and I 
shall not be so lonely as before. You must not 
give up everything for me. I would be very selfish 


216 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


and unhappy if you did that. Others must have 
claims on you^ I know.” 

Fenton thought with a curious pang that 
others ” had claims indeed, but the wave of pit}^ 
was again sweeping over him with something of 
the same force that he had felt before, and he 
hesitated whether after all he could leave the 
lonely, desolate girl in her awful solitude. 

Sophie, Sophie !” he cried, opening his arms. 

Good-by, dear George,” she answered, em- 
bracing him affectionately. ^^You see how com- 
pletely I trust and honor you. Go now, my dear, 
dear brother.” 

He kissed her then as a sister indeed. 

will come back soon, dear Sophie — very 
soon. Be brave and — and good — good in the sense 
you spoke of just now. Good-by.” 

When he had disappeared she threw herself on 
the sofa and wept as if her heart would break. 

Ah ! why did I ever meet Geoffrey? why, oh 
God ! why ? ” 

As for George, his own eyes were wet as he 
descended the stairs. The train for New York was 
soon to leave, and he hurried to the station. 

How would he confront Geoffrey ? was the 
thought uppermost in his mind all the time he was 
in the train. It appeared to him that his friend 
would read in his eyes the secret he had promised 
to conceal. If it should slip from him in an un- 
guarded moment, what awful consequences would 
ensue ! But wh^^ contemplate such an improbable 
contingency ? Wh}^ should it slip ? Sophie was a 
subject never mentioned between them. Each 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


217 


always had his own reasons for avoiding* it. 
Nevertheless, when Fenton retired to his little bed 
in the sleeper, and when slumber surprised him at 
leng-th, it was of the disclosure he dreamt ; that it 
had leaked out some way through his own careless 
management^ and he awoke with a start in the 
middle of a distressing scene with Mrs. Kate Sims 
upbraiding him for the wreck of her happiness. 

He could rest no more after that. He dressed 
and went into the smoking car, where he com- 
menced cigar after cigar, until the train at last 
rolled into the Grand Central Station. It was a 
dreary, dusty day, the strong equinoctial gale that 
prevailed recalling the horrible sensations of his 
arrival in Montreal twelve days before. 

Ugh ! ” he exclaimed. ^^What a fearful ex- 
perience that was ! ” 

The dust circled in little clouds about him, 
almost blinding and choking him before he could 
get to the coupe, into which he jumped quickly. If 
it had not been for those cloud dusts, perhaps he 
would have seen some one striding by with a very 
grave face. It was, in fact, Geoffrey Sims, who 
had only a moment before emerged from the Lin- 
coln Bank, and was crossing Forty-second street, 
bound for the railroad station. 

Give me a time-table of the Montreal trains/’ 
said he to the information clerk. He asked some 
questions after looking over the time-table, and 
then left, walking briskly toward Fifth avenue. 

I wish to God George was only here. I don’t 
like this note from Montreal. Strange, too, that 
George himself should have gone there. What 
can it mean ? Why should anyone have myste- 


218 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


rious business with me there? I’ll go down to 
George’s quarters. Perhaps he has returned by 
this time.” 

He strode along the avenue with his firm, mus- 
cular tread — his fine, handsome figure attracting 
attention, as it always did, from men as well as 
women. He was soon in front of the old bachelor 
quarters, which he seldom visited now, and never 
without a melancholy recollection of the years gone 
by, and the pleasant comings and goings between 
Anderson’s and the little hostelry where Sophie 
made her headquarters. His thoughts this day 
were more vivid than ordinarily on the subject of 
Sophie. Every little incident of the old life arose 
before him, and he almost felt as if the presence of 
the beautiful girl hovered about him in some mys- 
terious way. 

Ah ! dear me, what a pity it all was ! Poor 
girl, poor girl ! ” he thought. And it was all my 
fault — onl}^ mine. I was a shallow, thoughtless 
fool.” 

He rang the bell and asked if Mr. Fenton had 
returned. Yes, he had. Geoffrey hurried upstairs 
to the well-known rooms and knocked. 

I’m awfully glad you’re back, old fellow, but 
what’s the matter, George ? You don’t look well.” 

Geoffrey noticed the moment he entered the 
room George’s alarmed start and the quick wa^^ 
in v/hich he averted his eyes. Fenton himself also 
detected something unusually solemn in the appear- 
ance of Geoff re3^ 

I’m quite well, Geff — quite. There’s nothing 
the matter — absolutely nothing,” answered Fen- 
ton, quickly. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


219 


^^All rig‘ht; but indeed 3^ou seem disturbed, 
and I won't den^^ that I am so mj^self. Look here,’^ 
he went on, putting his hand in his pocket, from 
which he drew forth a letter. I don’t know what 
to make of this thing-. It came to me this morn- 
ing from Montreal, and I thought I’d show it to 
you before doing anything. I don’t know the 
writer, and I can’t guess his business. You will 
notice, the writer requests me to keep the thing 
shady — confidential is his word. But I don’t rec- 
ognize the right of another stranger to impose 
such conditions on me — especially when he makes 
no disclosures. Would you mind reading it before 
I say any more ? ” 

Fenton took the letter and read as follows : 

Mr. Geoffrey Sims, 

^•SiR — Certain information has come to my 
knowledge extremely important for you to know. 
It is of a character which will not bear delay and 
may cause serious trouble if not promptly attended 
to. It is impossible to explain hy letter. Will you 
kindly let me know where and when I could see you 
alone ? Address answer to 

Yours respectful!}^, 

''S. Hamilton. 

^^Bcx 4,180, Post-Office, Montreal.” 

^^The infernal scoundrel!” muttered Fenton, 
between his teeth, and crushing the letter in his 
hand. Great as had been his determination to be 
on his guard always, this injudicious exclamation 
escaped his lips in the rush of hot indignation this 
letter aroused. 


220 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


'' Hallo ! hallo 1 George. What’s the matter ? 
Scoundrel! Who’s a scoundrel?” said Geoffrey, 
in wonder. 

Fenton knew his friend’s eyes were scanning 
his features, the angry expression of which he 
could not control; it was useless to try. There 
was no ready reply on his tongue, and the silence 
only impressed Geoffrey more certainly that there 
was some painful explanation to the mysterious 
letter which his friend would like to avoid. 

^^It’s as plain as a pikestaff, George, that 
there is some painful mystery here, and that I 
was not mistaken when I read trouble in your 
face. Come, old fellow, out with the mystery at 
once, whatever it is. I can think of nothing which 
could be so dreadful as your face would make me 
imagine. Speak, George. If it’s only those con- 
founded Canadian bonds that you secured for me, 
why, man, I don’t care a rush. How could you 
think such a matter would worry me ? ” 

^^No, it’s not the bonds — nothing of the kind.” 

‘^Then what is it? Hang it, man, don’t go on 
that wajL Tell me at once.” 

Give me a moment, Geff — ^just a moment to 
think,” said Fenton, excitedly. 

^^That only makes the thing look worse.” 

A thought flashed into Geoffrey’s mind and his 
face underwent a painful twinge. 

It isn’t — it’s not that — that her remains have 
been discovered after all these years ? Is that it, 
George ? ” he asked, in a low voice. 

^^No, thank God — no — not that, Geff — not 
that,” was the quick rejoinder. 

"'Thank God! you say "Thank God,’ and in 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


221 


such a curious way. For Heaven’s sake, don’t 
beat about the bush any longer. Speak out, 
George.” 

Geoffrey was worked up to such a pitch of ex- 
citement by this time that Fenton could not think 
clearly what to say or do in a moment. His ordi- 
nary presence of mind was gone, and he found him- 
self only repeating : ^^One moment, Geoffrey; one 
moment — one moment.” 

Geoffrey was completely overpowered by a 
vague dread, and he walked up and down the 
room excitedly, while his friend tried to collect 
his thoughts. Of what use would further con- 
cealment be ? Fenton asked himself. Evidently 
S. Hamilton was onl^^ Horace Becham anxious to 
make another strike for money. Becham, he con- 
cluded, would be sure sooner or later to betray 
the secret. Wh^^ not explain all at once and 
have the agony over? He could be sure of man- 
aging his friend after the disclosure, whereas if 
it was left to Becham to make it, Heaven only 
could tell what rash act Geoffrey might commit 
in the first horrors of a realization of the 
truth. 

Geoffrey, my friend,” he said, at last, 
have something very grave to communicate. I 
would like to have spared you the revelation. But 
I’m afraid it would -be made to you sooner or la- 
ter in some way. This letter by Hamilton is from 
a Montreal detective with whom I have been nego- 
tiating to suppress a piece of news which must 
plunge you into great unhappiness and ” 

Oh ! George, don’t — don’t, for Heaven’s sake, 
go on in that way. I believe I’m not a woman. 


222 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


Tell me the thing at once. Perhaps I have already 
guessed the truth. 

Geoffrey, in his desperate efforts to find a solu- 
tion himself, had recalled his poor father’s painful 
affair with Mme. Vernay. Perhaps that was the 
revelation Fenton considered so dreadful. On the 
other hand, Fenton supposed that Geoffrey really 
had partly guessed the truth, and in this belief he 
suddenly exclaimed : 

believe you have guessed, Geoffrey, and I 
will no longer hesitate. It is a fact, Geoffrey — it 
is a fact — she is — alive ! ” 

^^She — alive! what do you mean? Not — not — 
Sophie I ” 

Fenton bowed his head. 

‘'^My God!” 

With that one cry the young husband sank into 
a chair and buried his head in his arms. 

Fenton allowed him to remain for some mo- 
ments undisturbed. Then he placed his hand on 
his shoulder, gently, and asked : 

Shall I tell you all, now ? ” 

He received no answer. Yet sitting down at 
Geoffrey’s side he proceeded to tell the story of 
Sophie’s rescue, recovery and life in Montreal 
under her maiden name of Clara Wallace. When 
he had finished, Geoffrey raised his head and dis- 
played a face on which was depicted anguish and 
despair. 

What is to be done, George ? What is to be 
done ? In Heaven’s name, tell me how we are to 
meet this terrible calamity. I am utterly incapable 
of thinking.” 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


223 


There is nothing for j^ou to do, Geoffrey. You 
must leave all to me,’’ said Fenton. 

But this man Hamilton — the detective ? ” 

I will deal with him. I know a method of 
enforcing his silence. He is in my power. What I 
would advise you to do now is to leave here at once — 
go to California — abroad — wherever you like. But 
don’t breathe a word of this to a human being, and 
leave the rest to me.” 

Oh ! my wife ! my poor Kate ! and this 
day ! — George, do you know what day it is ? The 
24th of September — the anniversary of my mar- 
riage \idth poor Sophie ! ” 


CHAPTER XXV. 

It was her first real season in London, for though 
she had visited the great center of Anglo-Saxon 
refinement and fashion before, and even with Geof- 
frey just after their marriage, it was as the fresh 
young bride in the blissful enjoyment of a perfect 
honej^moon. What did she or he care for society 
then ? So this was reall}’’ Kate’s debut in the Lon- 
don world of fashion. The little glimpses she had 
caught beneath the curtain while traveling with 
Geoffrey’s mother were as nothing to what she be- 
held now. London in the very zenith of its cultured 
life ! As wife of the great young millionaire of Cali- 
fornia and ISTew York the icy barriers of social ex- 
clusiveness melted away. For in London the golden 
passport is as powerful as elsewhere, but when the 
golden passport is in the hand of beauty how much 
more readil\^ swing open the ducal doors and even 


224 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


the gates of the greater palaces of royalty. After 
due presentation to her majesty by the American 
minister, Mr. and Mrs. 'Geoffrey Sims became wel- 
come and honored guests everywhere. Was not 
Mrs. S. beautiful, amiable and clever? Assuredly 
she was. And was not Mr. S., the great million- 
aire, who could buy half the dukedoms of the king- 
dom of her ma jesty", were he so minded ? Equally 
certain was the fact, or at least nobod}^ seemed to 
doubt that Geoffrey’s uncounted millions could 
almost match those of Rothschild himself. Yet 
both husband and wife were really welcomed for 
their own sakes, when they became known in the 
charmed circles. There was a purity, freshness 
and natural refinement about Kate Sims that at- 
tached to her and held firmly the admiration and 
friendship of the best in the land. As to Geoffrey 
himself, the cold reserve in which of late he had 
wrapped himself — a reserve that had begun to 
grow even before he went to the haunts of fashion 
— was regarded as aristocratic and good form. It 
raised him above the plane of ordinary millionaire 
debutants, and proved that he must have some of 
the real old blue blood in his veins. To his wife 
this reserve was not so attractive as the playful, 
joyous, light-hearted ways she remembered so well 
and regretted so much. Kot that there was any 
abatement in tenderness or devoted attentions on 
his part, but now they were alw’-ays marked by a 
sort of sad, respectful manner that puzzled her. 
She joked him sometimes about this and called him 
grandfather, and then he would exert himself to 
shake off the new^ mood, but there was alwa.ys a 
quick relapse. Gradually she became accustomed 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


225 


to the new manner and ceased to joke or protest, 
especially when she noticed that he really appeared 
to be more at ease when no notice was taken of 
his peculiarit3^ 

I suppose all husbands chang*e their manner 
after awhile, and so long* as I know he loves me 
truly, I have no right to tease him about it. But 
I do wish he would be more like his old self — cheer- 
ful and jocose — not so dignified and respectful,” 
thought the young wife. 

He encouraged her life of gayety, but too well 
pleased to have close attention drawn from him- 
self. But there was neither diversion nor rest for 
him. Amid the splendors of London’s drawing- 
rooms, the secret fears that possessed him poisoned 
all enjo^mient, and kept him in a constant state of 
expectanc\^ that exposure would come, and end in 
shame and humiliation to one who was dearer to 
him than life itself. Oh! the horror of that rock- 
ing, ever-present dread ! Kate, the pure, noble- 
minded mother of his boy, and 3^et not the real 
wife in legal view ! What would she do, were the 
truth known ? Would she leave him — from 
him ? Would she despise — hate him ? And Sophie, 
poor abandoned Sophie, alone, wretched, wearing 
out her young life, far, far away — freely sacrificing 
herself for his sake I 

At times such thoughts wellnigh crushed him, 
and drove him to the verge of despair. They be- 
gan to tell on body as well as mind after awhile, 
but 4 he change was so gradual as not to be ob- 
served even by the watchful e^^es of the loving 
wife. It was onl}’^ by accident the truth was finally 
brought home to her. 


226 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


One night at a crowded reception at a ducal 
mansion to which Geoffrey had escorted his wife, 
while he was moving about in his silent, ab- 
stracted, brooding manner, he was aroused by 
hearing someone calling after him. 

Hallo, Geff ! ’’ 

On looking’ in the direction of the voice, he es- 
pied Dr. Webb, one of his old college chums, mak- 
ing his way toward him. 

How are you, Charley? exclaimed Geoffrey, 
with some of his old-time animation, and shaking 
the young doctor’s hand heartily. 

Great Heavens ! Geff, what is the matter 
with you, old fellow ? So thin and wretched-look- 
ing. Is this London whirl too much for the nerves 
of a young giant like you ? If not, what then, old 
fellow ? I don’t like your looks a bit. Upon my 
word you have^all the outward s3^mptoms of men- 
tal sufferings. Excuse my bluntness, Geff, but I 
could not help it, no, indeed — you look so terribly 
altered for the worse.” 

Dr. Webb’s scientific eyes were quick to note 
the sudden evidence of pain and uneasiness his re- 
marks occasioned. 

There is something wrong with you, Geff,” 
he added, but nothing serious, I hope.” To him- 
self the doctor said : It is mental — mental worri- 
ment. I wonder what can trouble a man so happily 
fixed as he is.” 

^^Yes, there is something wrong with me,” 
Geoffrey said, and I may have to consult you 
about it.” 

I hope you will, old man. Perhaps I can help 
to relieve you.” - ^ 


BLACK FRIDAY, 


227 


Then the \"oung doctor quicklj^ changed the sub- 
ject. He was a distinguished specialist on nervous 
diseases, this young Dr. Webb, whose fame had 
even spread to Europe, and he was too wise and 
experienced not to observe that it would annoy 
Geoffrey to dwell on the subject of his ailments at 
that time. But he found an opportunity, when in 
due course he was honored by a presentation to 
Mrs. Gepffrey Sims, to drop into her ear a few judi- 
cious hints about the state of her husband’s health. 
The effect was instantaneous. Forgetting all her 
engagements, she hastily made her way to Geof- 
frey’s side and surprised him by asking to be 
brought home. 

Why, the affair isn’t half over ! ” he exclaimed. 

Are you not well ? ” 

Oh ! yes, but I’m tired. Come along. I 
want to go.” 

Geoffrey obej^ed with alacrity, and was struck 
by the unwonted silence of his wife and the loving 
wdiy she clung to his arm all the wa^^ home in their 
carriage. 

He had hardly time to slip into his smoking den 
and light , a cigar, when his wife appeared before 
him looking into his eyes with an anxious, nervous 
scrutiny he had never noticed before. 

Geoffrey, my dear unselfish husband, can you 
ever forgive me ? ” 

Forgive you! Why, child, what do you 
mean ? ” 

He regarded her with a puzzled look. 

Oh ! I have been so thoughtless — so neglect- 
ful — so blind ! My own love, and you growing ill 
under my very eyes without notice, sympath}^ or 


228 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


attention. Oh ! Geff, what is the matter, darling ? 
For there is something the matter now, I see it 
too late, my darling/'’ 

Kate Sims had her head between her two hands 
gazing into his face with love and tender pity. 

How could I have been so blind ! ” she added, 
suddenly bursting into tears and throwing her 
arms about liis neck. 

Nonsense, Kate. What has put this ridicu- 
lous notion into your head ? I sick ? Why, darling, 
I am in perfect health,” said Geoffrey; but this as- 
surance only made her shake her head and cry 
No, no, no,” in heart-breaking accents. 

He took her into his arms like an infant, and en- 
deavored to console her by caresses. 

It is some curious mistake,” said he. Why 
do you think me in such sad plight now any more 
than yesterday ? ” 

Then Dr. Webb’s startled inquiries recurred to 
him. 

Ah ! I see, Kate, it is that young doctor’s 
work. He has been filling your mind with those 
absurd fancies,” said Geoffrey. Confound him, 
I wish he would mind his own business.” 

Ah ! Geoffrey, I am so grateful to him. Don’t 
blame him, my love,” replied Kate, checking her 
tears and again looking full into her husband’s 
eyes^ anxiously. ^^I’m going to stop all this so- 
ciety business at once, Geoffrey. Your health 
must be attended to, and — and — m}^ darling hus- 
band — I think we must close this house and, return 
to California.” 

Wh}", Kate, what wild nonsense you are talk- 
ing. Close this house and rush away in the^mid- 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


229 


die of the season ! End all your new pleasures in 
a moment, mereh^ because an officious young doc- 
tor frightens you ! ” 

Never mind. I hate them all now. I only 
think of jouv health. With mother, and in your 
own native climate, you will soon get back all you 
have lost, won’t you, my love ? ” 

And do you think I will permit such a sacri- 
fice, you little alarmist ? Besides, I don’t want to 
return to the States, dearest. For many reasons I 
prefer to remain here.” 

^^You must come back, Geoffrey — ^you must — 
you must — or my heart will break. Oh ! Geoffrey, 
pardon, forgive me — forgive me.” 

And again the young wife gave way to an un- 
controllable fit of weeping, which only ceased when 
Geoffrey’s promise was given to leave at the earli- 
est possible date for the far distant home on the 
Pacific. 


CHAPTER XXVI. 

It was soon noticed by the associates of Horace 
Becham that he was flush,” so to speak. He had 
plenty of money, and was launching out into ex- 
travagances scarcely befitting a plain member of 
the Canadian police. He was growing careless, 
too, in the discharge of duties, so much so indeed 
that one day his superior felt compelled to repri- 
mand him. 

Horace tossed his head in the air defiantly, and 
remarked with unnecessar3^ heat : 


230 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


1 don’t care a rap for my position. You can 
have my resig*nation.” 

I understand, Becham, you have other means 
of support, and now you. don’t value the position,” 
remarked his superior, calmly; ^^but whether or 
no, please consider your resignation as accepted 
from this moment.” 

thank my stars I don’t value the position. 
I can make more money on my own hook,” retorted 
Becham, who, nevertheless was taken aback by 
the alacrity of his superior. 

The fellow has made a pile somehow, I can 
see that. Well, it’s none of my business, anyhow, 
but I don’t like his manner, and there’s something 
about him that is not satisfactory, somehow,” 
thought the chief. He will bear watching, or I’m 
mistaken.” 

But all the watching developed nothing start- 
ling. It was only evident that somehow Becham 
was in receipt of large sums of money, and was 
prospering so well that he began to play the role 
of a smart man-about-town. He became very at- 
tentive to a French woman, which excited in about 
equal degrees the mirth and envy of his former as- 
sociates. She had come from no one knew where — 
appeared suddenly like a meteor flaming in the 
streets of Montreal for awhile, and then snuffed 
out as suddenly by Horace Becham. That is to 
say, he appropriated her brilliance for the adorn- 
ment of his own establishment. No one would 
have called her a beauty, but she was stylish and 
dashing, and — she was French. She became his 
housekeeper. 

The Becham establishment was a snug little 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


231 


house, neath" furnished in a respectable part of 
Montreal. Mme. Charlotte put a few touches to 
the interior that decidedly improved the general 
aspect of things from an artistic point of view, and 
raised her greatly in the estimation of her Horace. 
Very soon, in a quiet way, she gained a tremendous 
ascendanc^^ over Becham, and little hy little she 
grew to know most of his secrets. But not all. 
There were two points on which she found the ex- 
detective hard as flint. He would not disclose to 
her the secret of his sudden wealth, nor would he 
listen patiently to her suggestions on the subject of 
matrimony. He said to her very bluntly : 

I want no wife — never shall I tie myself ever- 
lastingly to any woman.” 

But he little knew the sort of woman whom he 
had installed in his house, and, much as he had 
seen of the darker sides of life, he had failed to 
learn the important truth that once a man makes 
a woman his confldante she is bound some day to 
overreach him. She will gain the upper hand or — 
she will break with him altogether. 

It did not suit this particular woman to break 
with her man. She preferred to watch and wait ; 
and watch and wait she did until the long-looked . 
for opportunity arrived. 

Becham returned to his abode one night after 
an unusually long revel with some new acquaint- 
ances from the States. He was rather under the 
influence of stimulants, and decidedly unsteady on 
his legs. Madame had retired, the servant told 
him, and he was glad to know it, for he preferred 
to stretch on the parlor lounge and sleep off some 
of the sunerfluous stimulant before mounting to 


232 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


his customary couch. He was soon in semi-forget- 
fulness, half sleeping and half waking, and-v. 
thinking aloud. A veiy bad habit for anybody, 
but particularl3^ so for an ex-detective primed with 
weighty secrets. Madame was soon within listem 
ing distance, unseen, but ver^^ attentive and alert. 
People who thus listen seldom hear good of them- 
selves, and madame was destined to prove no 
exception, as witness this snatch from the mutter- 
ings of Horace Becham : 

Ha ! ha ! she’s a regular born detective-- 
Charlotte is. Ouglit to be on the force ! Ha ! 
ha ! Thinks she knows everything, but she 
doesn’t. No, be George. I’m not quite so 
* fresh ’ as all that. But I’m not going to stand 
an^^ more of her pumping. Ah! if she was only 
like that Sophie, now — Sophie Vernon — how safe 
I’d feel. That’s the kind of female women to 
have — no questions — no nonsense — no bother — 
don’t care about rnonej^ either — what a treasure 
Charlotte would be with Sophie’s virtues.” 

Sophie Vernon ! ” muttered the woman. Who 
is she, I wonder ? Ha I ha ! another lad^^ for 
Horace. I will see. I will see.” 

That was a good trick — ha ! ha ! — getting 
such a nice pile out of Fenton and then having the 
handling of the monthh^ allowances. Ha I ha I 
Horace, ^mu’re a match for them all. The fellows 
wonder at my luck — think I’ve struck a gold mine 
somewhere. And so I have ; a regular mine, be 
George— the Sims-Fenton mine.” 

Becham still pronounced like ^^be,” 

which was one of the hardest of his earty habits to 
shake off. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


233 


She would like to know all about it. Ha! ha! 
Yes, be George, she would. Ha ! ha ! But I'm 
not such a fool. Tell her ? See her blowed first, I 
would.” 

Much more he muttered before sound sleep 
silenced thought and voice. Then madame stole 
back, stealthily as a cat. 

Sims ! Sims I he said Sims. How strange ! 
and Sophie Vernon I Those two names and the 
secret of his money are bound together. That’s 
sure. And he was mocking me of my curiosity I 
Yes, Horace Becham, you were laughing at me. 
But we will see now if yon can laugh alone so very 
much longer ! ” 

The French woman standing before her mirror 
saw on her own face a malicious smile — a smile in 
which hate and triumph were blended. 

You are not pretty when you are mad, Char- 
lotte,” said the woman, looking at her refiection in 
the glass. No, truly not, and Horace would not 
like to see you at this moment. Ha I ha I ha ! 
ha!” (laughing). ^^Well, we can be mild and 
modest and innocent in face, too, Charlotte. That’s 
one comfort. He said Sims distinctly. Can it be 
Mr. Geoffre}^, that foolish young Californian ? It 
must be. Who else could furnish money so reck- 
lessly ? And what is this about the Vernon — So- 
phie ? Ah ! there is something there — yes, some- 
thing I must find out. But how ? Ah ! I do not 
know 3^et — not yet — but it will be very strange if 
I do not get the rest from him, when I know so 
much already.” 

Charlotte Deshon, this French woman, rubbed 
her hands together gleefully as she turned from 


234 


BLACK FRIDAY, 


the mirror and walked toward her bed, mutter- 
ing : 

I like this. It is exciting. He calls me de- 
tective. Ah ! I will try to show I deserve it. Mr. 
Horace Becham, you should not make your fun of 
me. It is not well, for it makes me wish to make a 
little fun for m^^self.’’ 

When Becham appeared at his breakfast next 
mornings he was as ruddy and refreshed to outward 
appearances as if nothing out of the way had hap- 
pened. Mme. Charlotte Deshon made no remark 
about his condition the night before. As far as 
Becham could see, she looked rather better and 
was more attentive than usual to his little wants 
at the table. 

Did you see the lady who called here for you 
yesterday ? ’’ asked madame suddenly, with spark- 
ling* eyes. ^Wery pretty lady, too, but a little 
pale.’’ 

Lady ? No, who called ? ” 

Becham looked up and thought, She’s a little 
jealous. Good,” and he could not help a feeling of 
elation. 

Her name — let me see — if that I can remem- 
bair. It was Ver — Ver — Sophie Ver — non. Yes, 
that is it,” said madame. 

Becham let fall his knife and fork. His self- 
satisfaction vanished in a moment. 

She here ? ” he cried, aghast. 

It was no use. He could not control his excite- 
ment. 

Yes, she ” 

^•The devil you say!” roared Becham, ‘^and 
you — you spoke with her ? ” 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


235 


A leetle — a leetle/* was the answer. 

Bechain saw a gleam of triumph in her e3"es, 
as she said : 

If your ladies come, and you are not here, I 

must see them, and if thej^ talk ” 

You have no right to into my affairs,’’ 
roared Becham. ‘^1 have forbidden you to talk on 
that subject, and I’ll not have you meddling* ” 

^^Ah! you forget yourself. Never have .you 
named that lad}^ to me. Never have we had one 
word about her. I did not see her in my life be- 
fore. But the Mr. Sims ” 

Sims ! Sims ! She spoke of him, too ! ” 

Becham abruptlj^ rose, upsetting his chair. 

Ah ! do not so disturb yourself. I was only 
going to say the Mr. Sims I have heard of and 
seen before,” said madame with irritating calmness. 

Thunder and lightning!” exclaimed the as- 
tonished man, walking up and down the room in 
great agitation. 

‘^Isee — I see. You know all. You have dis- 
covered my secret. Devil take it. You — 3mu 
have ” 

He stopped in front of her and suddenly changed 
his tone to one of conciliation. 

Look here, Charlotte, I suppose I am in ^mur 
hands. You have found out something I wanted 
to keep dark and ” 

^^Ah! you need not fear. I am your devoted 
friend. Do you not know it ? ” interrupted ma- 
dame, cunningl3^ is better we have no secrets. 
You know all mine. Wh.y will you hide any from 
me ? I can help you. We can always help each 
other.” 


236 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


Had he possessed half the caution ordinarily 
displayed by him in the game of baffling, he would 
not have fallen headlong into the snares laid for 
him by Mme. Charlotte Deshon. But he was so 
staggered b}" the rapid thrusts, delivered with such 
artful precision, that he jumped precipitately to 
conclusions from which a little coolness and a few 
guarded questions might have saved him. Be- 
lieving that the woman had wormed out of Sophie 
the most important facts of her dealings with him, 
Becham concluded that his best policy was to make 
a virtue of necessity and bind Mme. Charlotte to 
him by making a clean breast of the whole busi- 
ness. 

She’ll find out all for herself if I don’t tell her 
and then defy me,” he thought. 

And it was astonishing how adroitly she con- 
trived to hide from the keen detective the fact that 
she had only two names, and really knew nothing 
more about his great secret. When he finished the 
revelation of all, she calmly’' looked at him and said : 

What you tink now, when I sa^^ you that ze 
lady was not here at all ? Horace, you are one 
grand goose.” 

^^What!” roared Becham. 

Yes, you are one grand goose. Listen me. 
Why did you not tink ze Sophie would not have 
said me she was Sophie Vernon ? Why did you 
not see I make one, oh ! so great mistake to say 
she very pretty ? An’ you did know she have so 
ugly face ? Have I not right when I call you 
grand goose ? Hot you the eagle ! ” 

‘"‘Woman, what does this mean?” he fairly 
yelled, clenching his fist. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


23 


‘'It mean dat ze woman — she tole me notings 
— she was not here — you — you it is who tole me all 
I know. Ha ! ha ! ' ' 

Rage, ferocious rage, blazed in his face for a 
moment, scaring the scornful smile from her face 
and causing her an inward tremble. But she never 
lowered her gaze before his fierce look, and he 
ended by sitting down with a groan. 

“Zat is bettair, Horace. Ze grand fureur is 
not ze way for me. But we muss friens be, 
Horace. I only wish to show my Horace zat 
I am wordy for be ze detective vife. Is it not so, 
Horace ? ” 

Becham started. 

Yes, better it is we marry, Horace. Ze vife, 
she alvays garde ze secret.’^ 

He jumped up again, glared at her like a wild 
bull, and then rushed out of the room. 

Ha ! ha ! ha ! Safe I am now, I tink. He 
will marry sure. He 

And cunning Mme. Charlotte Deshon struck 
her thin, long hand on the table with a determina- 
tion that it was well Horace Becham was not 

• 

there to see. He could never have married the 
woman with the savage expression Charlotte De- 
shon’s face wore at that moment. 


238 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


CHAPTER XXVII. 

Meantime Georg*e Fenton was faithfully run- 
ning- between New York and Montreal, watching 
with true brotherly interest over the welfare of his 
afflicted charge. But after months he had not 
yet succeeded in inducing her to leave Montreal, 
though he had brought some sunshine into her 
darkened life. Like a good physician who tries to 
coax his patient’s mind from the dreaded maladj", 
so Fenton contrived a healthy distraction to her 
morbid mind by fostering in her a taste for read- 
ing and study. On his second visit lie ransacked 
the bookstores of Montreal for appropriate reading 
matter and opened to her a new world of contem- 
plation. Up to that time she had done very little 
general reading. Now, however, she began sys- 
tematically, under Fenton’s guidance, and it 
amazed her how quickly time flew. The broker 
saw with delight signs of a very great improve- 
ment in her spirits. She was no longer always 
sad and brooding when he surprised her with a 
visit. She could smile at times and show by her 
conversation how eagerly she had read and ab- 
sorbed. It seemed to him, too, as if the facial dis- 
figurement was actually softening and fading away 
with the intellectual expansion. But he mistook 
the glow of interest that illuminated her face dur- 
ing the talks about books and the discussion over 
subjects that chiefly attracted her, for what it 
were not. It was only the transient flashes of soul 
that sometimes light up the. ugliest faces, making 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


239 


one forget the physical defects and only see the 
reflections of beautiful thoughts. 

^‘She is toning up — toning up/’ Fenton ex- 
claimed with delight after one of his visits. 
There are happy days 3^et for the poor girl.” 

If only George could have been always at her 
side or near, all would have gone well, perhaps. 
But George could not, and, unfortunately for him 
and her, just at the time when his brotherly pro- 
tection might have been most powerful in averting 
ill, fate held him elsewhere. Fate in this case took 
the form of little Miss Ada Remsford, who did not 
like the frequent long absences of her intended 
husband in Canada. Why did he go there so often? 
What was the business that required him at least 
twice every month to visit Montreal ? In Ada’s 
mind that provincial cit}^ was associated with dis- 
aster to George Fenton. For she had learned 
from her father enough of the sad story of Belle 
Sanders to know that it was from that city George 
had conducted the beautiful actress to New York. 
With a young lady’s inconclusive logic, she de- 
clared to herself : 

If he had never gone to Canada at that time — 
after the awful railroad slaughter — he would not 
have lost his beautiful hair.” 

At least it was almost as bad as if he had lost 
it, for was he not now a gray-headed young man — 
sad and solemn-looking, whereas he might still be 
happy and light-hearted as before — if he had not 
gone there? 

When a young lady affianced to a young gentle- 
man begins to worry over the unexplained absences 
of her intended, there is but one conclusion to be 


240 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


expected. Inevitably it is a jealous fit. In Ada’s 
case pride prevented her from confessing* the truth 
even to her mother, until the mother herself, ob- 
serving* how her daug-hter always pined and worried 
during Fenton’s absences, shrewdly guessed what 
was the matter. Then Ada tearfully confessed. 

This was why George Fenton omitted one of his 
customaiy visits to Canada and then another, un- 
til a month elapsed without seeing Sophie. Let it 
not be supposed that Mrs. Remsford or Ada had 
breathed the faintest hint of suspicion to George 
Fenton, but whenever he proposed going away 
there were so manj- objections and obstacles inter- 
posed by the one lady or the other that he found it 
easier to postpone than to insist. 

Meanwhile trouble was brewing for Sophie. 
Mme. Charlotte, now wife of Horace Becham, be- 
gan to concern herself very much with the Sims- 
Vernon branch of her husband’s shady transac- 
tions. It was the most promising of all his affairs 
in her opinion, but she had a mean opinion of his 
ability to make the most of his opportunities, and 
she determined to show him her own superiority by 
managing this one herself. 

You muss present me to miladi Vernon, Hor- 
ace,” she said, coolly, one morning during break- 
fast. ‘‘1 can bettair to that affair than you.” 

And though Horace really feared that Fenton 
and Sophie herself would resent the introduction 
of any new party to the confidential transaction, 
and make a disagreeable scene for him, he Avas 
obliged to yield to the keener and more deter- 
mined will of the woman, Avho now thoroughly 
mastered him. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


241 


Y^ill manage dat miladi will not displease 
herself that I go to her. Leave all zat to me, 
Horace. You know nevair I make mistakes. Is 
it not so ? ” 

D — n it, Charlotte, I only know that when a 
business is doing well, it’s better to let well alone,” 
he answered. 

Well ! Bah ! It is not well. You are what 
I tole you before — a grand goose, Horace. Dis 
business is not well. I will show you soon how it 
can bettair be,” she answered, contemptuously. 

Have your way, then. But remember this is 
against my judgment.” 

This happened about the time when the regu- 
larit}^ of Fenton’s visits was interrupted. Sophie 
always looked forward to his arrival with some- 
thing of the longing of a hospital patient. In a 

she was no better off than a sick person con- 
fined in an infirmary, who must await her friends 
and relatives because going to them is not permis- 
sible. Sophie spent her days reading and studying. 
Her nights were given to walks with her faithful 
attendant, Corinne Regnier. As the time drew 
near for Fenton’s appearance, Sophie always be- 
came excited. When he came she was unaffectedly 
happy, and showed it. The discontinuance of his 
visits suddenly, without knowing the reason, sadly 
affected her spirits. He was the outside world to 
her — from him she learned about all those in whom 
she felt an interest — with him it was such a deep 
pleasure to converse about all the subjects of her 
reading and study. He was, in short, the true 
brother whose sympathy and love could always be 
depended upon. Was he ill ? God forbid. 


242 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


She grew sad and sick at heart from disap- 
pointment, and it was just during* this period of 
mental distress that Mrs. Horace Becham artfully 
insinuated herself into Sophie’s confidence. The 
cunning French woman swept away all grounds 
of objection to the obtrusion of herself on the scene 
by professing deep anxiety about the state of the 
girl’s health. Her Horace had told her miladiwas 
sick — miladi alone and suffering ! Mon Dieu ! how 
could she stand on ceremon^^ in such a case. She 
had rushed to offer her sympathy and assistance. 
Yes, and miladi must let her be as a mother to her. 
Yes, indeed. 

Tell all you want, miladi. All I can do I will, 
with ze cheerful heart.” 

Sophie’s was not a suspicious nature, and per- 
haps if she had been of the cautious kind the over- 
whelming effusiveness and protestations of sym- 
pathy shown by Mrs. Becham would have made 
cold repudiation of the proffered kindness seem 
ungenerous to her. 

^^Here is a warm-hearted, impulsive French 
woman,” Sophie thought, who offers me sym- 
pathy and companionship. Why should I reject 
them ? My misfortune is sacred in her eyes, and 
perhaps she can help me.” 

The French woman had formed her own esti- 
mate of Sophie’s nature from the accounts given 
her by her husband, and she won the girl’s confi- 
dence at once by the assurance that much could 
be done to remove the terrible facial disfigure- 
ment. 

Yes, my dear, you should a doctor have seen 
before,” exclaimed Mrs. Becham. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


243 


Sophie shook her head sadly. 

No, you do not like ze doctairs. I do not 
meself. But I can do much, vera much, miladi, 
for the face.” 

Her ^^vera much ” consisted of the application 
of certain ointments which she persuaded Sophie 
to try. 

The first successful step had been taken. She 
had captured the girTs confidence easily, and she 
flattered herself that the rest would present as 
little difiiculty to a woman of her artful naturCo 
And she was right. Little by little she found out 
from Sophie all the information necessary for her 
object. 

'"Horace, miladi she is vera sick. Have you 
tink what is it you will do if she dies — how much 
we lose ? There will no more be ze monnier evair 
month,” remarked Mrs. Becham to her husband 
on returning from one of her visits to Sophie. 

She had found the poor girl really ill as well as 
very much excited — both the result of the suspense 
and anxiety caused by the discontinuance of Fen- 
ton’s visits. 

Becham started. 

""You don’t mean to say you believe her in any 
danger — real danger ? ” he asked, uneasily. 

"" Mon Dieu ! how know I ? Certainment she 
is very sick and miladi you know is delicate. 
She could not much sickness support, Horace. 
What if she die? ” 

"" Oh ! well, even then it is not all over, old 
girl,” rejoined Becham, brightening up. ""They 
would still want us to lay low, you know.” 


244 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


^^Lay low ! What is ^ de laj^ low’ ? ” asked his 
wife. 

I mean they would not want us to make an 
exposure, anyhow. They would still pay to hush 
up. Don’t you see ? ” 

Mrs. Becham did not join in the triumphant 
smile with which her husband said the words. 

tink I, Horace, I ^et all that is possible 
now. I would not wait,” she said. 

‘^^What in thunder do j^ou mean by ^all’ and 
^ now ’ ? I don’t understand. You’ll have to 
plump out square and flat, be George. What 
devil’s scheme is working in your brain now ? ” 

You are not polite to your wife, Horace, but I 
will tell you, if dat you promise to do what I shall 
ask,” said Mrs. Horace, with a determined look. 

I am not so sure you have de courage, Horace.” 

Courage, Charlotte ? What the devil do you 
mean, anyhow ? ” cried Becham, angriljL 

Soyez tranquille, mon cheri. De anger is not 
good. Listen, and I will tell the projet.” 

Mrs. Becham then informed her husband how 
she had discovered where miladi kept her bank- 
book — how she had looked over the bankbook and 
found out the amount to her credit. 

You don’t mean to say the girl allowed you 
to look over her bankbook ? ” he asked, in wonder. 

Oh ! no, but I have look it, my Horace. See. 
Here is ze book.” 

Be G'&orge, you’re a brick, Charlotte,” he ex- 
claimed, with admiration. ^^But what good is the 
book? You can’t get her money with the book.” 

Bah ! how you are still de grand goose. 
Miladi she have $35,000 in zat bank, Horace. 


BLACK FRIDAY, 


245 


Thirty-five thousand ! Long* we would wait for 
dat much^ mon cheri. Ze monthly monnaie would 
not for 3^ears — many, manj^ — come to dat. Is there 
not some way to fool miladi — to force miladi, if we 
muss ? ” 

A gleam of wicked intelligence came to the 
detective’s eyes. 

Ah ! you see, Horace ? ” she exclaimed. 

^^Be George, you’re a wonder, Charlotte. I’m 
not clear all in a moment how, but there’s a way. 
Yes, we’ll find a wajL But tell me your own 
idea. Perhaps you’ve thought it all out.” 

^^Ha ! ha ! ha ! it can be dat I have.” 

^"Well, why don’t you explain?” he cried, 
impatientlj". 

Mrs. Becham whispered her secret into the ears 
of her husband. 

Now what you tink? ” she asked. 

He reflected for awhile, and then shook his 
head with a look of vexation. 

Don’t you see that if we attempt this thing 
and succeed, detection would be sure to follow ? 
Going away wouldn’t save us. They’d be sure to 
hunt us down wherever we went,” he said. 

Who will hunt us ? who, Horace ? ” 

‘'^Why, the police.” 

And who the police will tell ? ” 

Fenton, or Sims, of course. Don’t jo\x see 
the scheme won’t work that way?” 

How fools zese men dey are ! ” exclaimed Mrs. 
Becham. ^^You a detective! Bah! you are ze 
baby detective. Listen me. No you zee zat ze 
genelmens cannot us expose ? To expose us, de^^ 
expose dey selves ? Bah ! how fools you are!” 


246 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


‘‘ By thunder, Charlotte, you. have me there. I 
am an ass. Of course, you’re right. The thing is 
clear. If we can only manage her — they would 
never dare bother us — then any more than now. 
Their interest would not permit. The\^ would only 
be publishing to the world their own rascality 
and ” 

^^Bah! tartuffe, we are not de theater in. 
Let us work, not play,” exclaimed the French wom- 
an, contemptuously silencing the man’s affected 
explosion of just wrath over his employer’s ras- 
cality. 


CHAPTER XXVIII. 

The Frenchwoman found reason every day now 
for calling upon miladi, as she chose to designate 
Clara Wallace or Sophie Sims. Miladi was sick, 
and the Frenchwoman was the self-appointed 
doctor, whose prescriptions were agreeable to the 
patient. At first the patient demurred, to the 
medicine — a little elixir, composed of quinine and 
brandy. But objections ceased altogether after 
two doses. Then from the little invigorating, 
stimulating brandy, it was an easy glide to cham- 
pagne, which the doctor declared was not only 
more comme il faut for miladi but vraiment bet- 
tair for ze maladie. 

The Frenchwoman entertained miladi with 
praises of good Horace, who was, oh ! so good — 
so generous. La moitie de son reveiiu was ex- 
pended in relieving the suffering poor. Would 
miladi believe it ? — there was a poor Irish laborer 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


247 


who broke his leg* by falling* from a house, and 
Horace had supported the poor man and the poor 
wife for weeks. Was it not noble? 

The patient thought it was and insisted 
upon contributing her little mite— five Canadian 
dolLirs. 

Then there was that poor American seamstress, 
oh ! si maigre — fort maigre, vraiment, dying 
slowl^^ of consumption. Ah ! it was so triste to 
see her — alone — toute seule — and obliged to work, 
work with her machine ! ' What would you have ? 
You could not know such distress and not weep. 
You must help — yes, even if you have so little 
yourself. 

Mrs. Becham always had some new cases of 
distress at every visit, and never failed to receive 
liberal contributions from her unsuspecting patient. 
There was always, too, some touching example of 
the generous Horace’s overflowing* charity. 

Sophie’s confidence was completely won by the 
insinuating ways of the woman, and though always 
extremely reticent about her former life as actress 
aind wife, dropped little hints occasionally about 
George Fenton’s anxiety to have her remove from 
Montreal to 'New York. Mrs. Becham was alarmed 
at first by these intimations of the possibility that 
her intended victim might disappear some da^^ 
through Fenton’s entreaties and thus balk her 
game. Horace was even more alarmed than his 
wife, and proposed that the great coup should be 
struck at once. But Mrs. Becham, though equally 
anxious, was more prudent. Her victim was not 
yet quite to be depended upon. The grand coup 
might fail altogether by imprudent haste, and, as 


248 


BLACK FRIDAY* 


Mrs. Becham observed, it was better to run one 
small risk than hazard all on an uncertainty. 

One day, after assisting her patient to get rid of 
a bottle of champagne, Mrs. Becham related the 
story of a goo^ woman with twins, for whom 
Horace had raised a very handsome purse. Sophie 
drew a check payable to Mrs. Becham herself for 
fifty dollars to be added to the purse. 

^"^Ah! miladi, zat is too much. De one half 
vrould be enough. Oh ! vraiement oui,’’ exclaimed 
Mrs. Becham, handing back the check. 

But Sophie would not be induced to lower the 
amount, and Mrs. Becham protested she would 
^'"no more tell ze cases. It would be like to rob 
miladi.’’ 

And when she went home she flourished the 
check in her husband’s face, exclaiming : 

Horace, I will be rich mesel’ soon. Look you 
how" she give me for ze poor wife, wiss ze two 
twins ! Fifty dollars, Horace ! fift}^ dollars ! ” 
Good pocket money, Charlotte. But look 
here, when are you going to make the final strike ? 
Vv^e mustn’t put it off too long. Fenton may turn 
up any day now to spoil our game completely,” 
said Horace. 

^^Let it be to-morrow den, Horace — to-morrow. 
I t’ink we shdll succeed, for nevair could there be 
a bettair opportunity. What you t’ink ? I am to 
be miladi’s maid to-morrow. I go even to-night. I 
muss leave my dear Horace for ze little while. Eh? 
You will be sad. You open your eyes, Horace, to 
ask what it mean. Ah ! dis it mean : Ze domes- 
tique, Regnier, when I am with maladi get dis- 
patch from Quebec ; her sister be sick, dying. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


249 


Regnier she muss go dere. You hear, Horace ? 
All' I have promise to be ze domestique and ze 
friend. Le Diable, it is, I t’ink, who help us, Hor- 
ace. Ha ! ha ! ” 

His wife’s ^^ha ! ha ! ” was never agreeable to 
Horace; it always recalled a certain triumphant 
laugh of his Charlotte before they became man and 
wife. But now it was good music in his ears. 

On questioning his wife further he learned that 
she had really obtained Sophie’s consent to remain 
with her during the servant’s enforced absence ; 
that she had won the servant’s confidence at last 
by a display of substantial sympathy in the shape 
of certain gold pieces to pay the expenses of the 
trip to Quebec, and by preparing the necessary 
telegraphic answer for Corinne Regnier. 

Glorious !” cried Horace when the whole scene 
had been described to him, You are a wonder, 
Charlotte, yes, a perfect wonder, be George ! ” 

In preparation for this grand coup — whatever 
it was to be — Horace and Charlotte had been put» 
ting their house in order. Valuable papers and 
articles had been packed up and shipped off some- 
where. All the furniture that could be spared had 
been disposed of gradually, and everything was in 
readiness for a sudden departure forever from the 
scenes that had known Horace for so long. His 
money was strapped about his person in big Ameri- 
can bills, and Charlotte herself was equally ready 
for the flight. 

Truly, as Charlotte had said, the Devil was fa- 
voring the conspirators handsomely by brushing 
aside all obstacles. 

Here was Regnier, the last and most difficult of 


250 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


all^ disposed of just in the nick of time. Mrs. Bedl- 
am had tried often before to win over the affections 
of Reg*nier by frequent douceurs. Regnier pocketed 
the douceurs^ for she dearly loved the coins^ but she 
loved her mistress more, and she did not like the 
way things were going in the little home/ since Mrs. 
Becham appeared. Wine, she knew, was not good 
for her mistress, and yet wine was what Mrs. 
Becham was urging her mistress to take every 
day. Her mistress was also growing more and 
more ill and melancholy every day. She read no 
more, and wept often. Regnier had promised Mr, 
Fenton to let him know surely if ever her mistress 
became ill, but she hesitated to do so for some time 
through disinclination to expose the true state of 
affairs. She hoped things would grow better ; but 
as they did not, she wrote at last a few lines in- 
forming Mr. Fenton that her mistress was very ill 
and that he ought to come at once. It was on the 
morning of the very same day that the summons 
from Quebec reached her. 

A poor old half-instructed woman like Oorinne 
Regnier could not be expected to remember about 
her letter to Fenton, w^hen the news of her sister’s 
danger filled her mind. Had she remembered, 
perhaps she would have telegraphed to Fenton, or 
have waited until his arrival. But she thought of 
neither the one thing nor the other, and unfort- 
unately her letter, not having wings, had to wait 
for the train, and Fenton had to wait for his train 
also. Yet it was during those waiting periods that 
the blow would fall, if it fell at all. 

Fenton was filled with remorse when Corinne’s 
Warming letter reached him, and started at once 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


251 


for Montreal. Arrived there^ he left his valise at 
the station, and proceeded at once to the house, 
though under ordinary circumstances he would 
not have deemed it proper to call at such an early 
hour. 

The gentle pull he gave to the bell received no 
answer ; so he rang again with a bolder jerk. 

The echo of the bell continued for some seconds, 
he thought, with a sad moaning sound, that awoke 
vague alarm in his mind. He waited for a few 
moments, and then observed that the hall door 
was just the slightest bit ajar. A strange cir- 
cumstance, truljL Without waiting longer, he 
went upstairs, and knocked at the door of Sophie’s 
sitting-room, first gently and timidly, then loudly. 
All was still as death. Ho footfall succeeded his 
summons — no sound was heard save the rumbling 
of carts through the street. Only one course was 
left for him to pursue — to turn the handle of the 
door and ascertain whether it was locked. His 
hand trembled as the door yielded to his push, and 
the extraordinary presentiment of evil which he 
felt while ringing at the front door on the street 
became intense. What could the unlocked doors 
mean ? Had there been a robbery ? Either that, 
or Sophie must be very, very ill, indeed, and the 
servant had gone for the doctor, forgetting in her 
haste to fasten the doors. 

^A¥hat if Sophie should be — ? Oh ! no, no — 
that could not be,” he exclaimed shudderingl3L 

Then he called aloud and rapped excitedly with 
his cane against the door. But no voice answered. 
No one stirred. 

The room was darkened owing to the heavily 


252 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


curtained windows, but he groped his way across 
it, guided by a faint streak of light, kicking some 
object on the floor that obstructed his way. He 
iiulled back the curtains, and the morning light 
poured in. He started on observing a table and 
some chairs overturned and scattered about the 
floor, just as if there had been a scuffle of some 
kind. He uttered a loud exclamation of horror 
when his eyes rested on the sofa lying along the 
Vv^all, and there beheld the form of Sophie stretched 
motionless. With one bound he was at her side 
and raised her head in his arms. 

Sophie ! Sophie ! Speak to me ! ’’ 

He felt her cold hands and face — listened with 
his ear to her breast to detect the faintest sign of 
respiration. 

^^Oh ! my God, she is dead,' ' he cried, sinking on 
his knees, and frantically endeavoring to coax back 
life by stroking her cold hands and shaking her 
gently by the shoulders. 

Oh ! Sophie ! Sophie ! dear Sophie ! speak ! 
speak ! 

''^My God, she has been murdered — strangled.’’ 

A dark mark about her throat had caused the 
last exclamation of horror. He tried to shriek for 
assistance, but his voice choked in the effort. He 
sprang to his feet and bounded toward the window 
to give an alarm. His foot struck against one of 
the overturned chairs and he stumbled, falling with 
great force and striking his head against the sharp 
corner of an inkstand on the floor. When his 
senses came back he was being jerked unceremoni- 
ously to his feet by the strong hands of two stal- 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


253 


wart policemen. The blood was streaming from 
the wound on his temple. 

Rouse there — rouse up^ my man/' were the 
words that reached his ears from the coarse voice 
of one of the policemen. 

The room was full of people^ who were regard- 
ing him with unfriendly looks, but he thought 
nothing of this at first. He only thought of the 
body lying still and motionless on the sofa. 

^"Is she dead — really dead ?” he asked of one 
of the policemen. 

‘^^Ay! that she be, sure enough,’’ was the 
answer, in a very gruff tone. 

How is it possible ? ” 

He made one effort to go toward the sofa, but 
was jerked back roughly, with the astonishing ad- 
monition : 

You be quiet there, will you ? ” 

What do you mean by such conduct ? ” he 
cried, indignantly, beginning to half realize the 
truth. 

See here, my man, I advise you again to keep 
quiet. It’ll be best for you in the end,” was the 
satisfaction vouchsafed him. 

Great God! this is the most damnable stu- 
pidity. Do you mean to say that you think — oh ! 
this is atrocious. Take off jour hands, men. You 
are committing the grossest outrage on a gentle- 
man. Do you know who I am ? ” 

He struggled to free himself from the tight 
grasp of the policemen, but ouly caused them to 
hold him more roughly and secureljL The blood 
swelled in his veins, and his face became red with 
rage and indignation. His excited manner and 


254 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


loud demonstrations drew ever^^body’s attention 
away from the bod^", when the chief of police ar- 
rived on the scene with the coroner and a physician. 
Fenton immediately addressed his protests to the 
chief, a grave and self-possessed man, who listened 
patiently to the complaints. 

^^If you, sir, will hear my explanation for a 
moment, yon will see what an unjustifiable outrage 
on the person of an innocent man your subordinates 
have committed. I arrived in Montreal only this 
morning — less than two hours ago — in consequence 
of a letter telling me that Mrs. — that the unfort- 
unate body — that she who lies there murdered by 
some dastardly ruffian, was very ill. When I 
reached the house I found the door of this room 
unlocked, and when I entered I saw with horror 
and grief the result of the frightful crime that had 
been committed. I know no more about it than 
you do, sir. I suppose I am the one man in all the 
world who feels the deepest anguish and horror.” 

Who are you, sir? What is your name?” 
asked the chief. 

‘‘^George Fenton of New York.” 

The Wall Street man ? ” 

Yes. I am well known in the financial world. 
Any one of your bankers here will tell you about 
my character and standing.” 

The chief looked inquiringly at the two police- 
men, one of whom spoke up. 

^^We found him, major, lying face downward on 
the floor, when we arrived here. He was bleeding 
as you see him now, and we supposed he had been 
injured in a struggle with the woman. What was 


BLrACK FRIDAY. 


255 


a gentleman doing here at such an hour in the 
morning?’' 

I have explained how I came here and what I 
was doing. Was it not the most natural thing in 
the world I should come here at once, knowing that 
the lady was sick ? Go to the depot and you will 
find my valise tliere. The men on the train will 
tell 3nu I speak the truth. The old servant, who 
wrote to me, will tell you I was the best friend of 
the murdered lady. Call her — find her, and let her 
speak.” 

There is no such person here, major. There 
was no one in the house when we came hut the 
prisoner and the murdered woman,” said the police 
officer. 

"^Perhaps something dreadful has happened to 
her, too,” cried Fenton. "^The officer is right. 
She was not here when I reached the house — at 
least in this room.” 

Have you examined all the other rooms ? ” 
asked the chief. 

Yes, major, there was no one in any of them,” 
answered the officer addressed. 

‘^^^How did you receive that wound on jmur head, 
Mr. Fenton?” demanded the chief. 

Simply enough. I stumbled and fell to the 
floor, striking some sharp object,” replied Fenton. 

The chief’s ej^es searched the floor, and observed 
the large glass inkstand spotted with blood. 

Surely jmu must believe me?” cried Fenton, 
growing excited again. ^^If you still have any 
doubt, one of your own officers can remove it. 
Send for Officer Becham. He knows me.” 

Do you mean Horace Becham ?” demanded 


256 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


the chief, suddenly fixing* his eyes keenlj^ on Fen- 
ton. 

^^Yes, Horace Becham ; that’s his name. He 
can explain.” 

The chief shook his head and looked dis-, 
appointed. Fenton’s manner had impressed him 
as that of an innocent man until the mention of 
Becham’s name. One of his subordinates, who 
had been examining the room, called him aside at 
this juncture and whispered to him, at the same 
time handing him some article he had found in a 
closet. The chief and his assistant examined this 
article closely, and then continued to confer to- 
gether in a low voice for a few moments. 

When the chief returned to Fenton, his face 
wore a graver and severer expression. 

You say you came here this morning, and on 
that point we can easily satisfy ourselves. You 
refer to ex-Officer Becham, too. Veiy well, we 
will have no difficulty there either. Now, let me 
ask you a few questions myself. How is it that 
you, a great New York broker, whose name and 
reputation, I admit, are well and favorably known 
here, came to be in relations with a poor woman 
such as this murdered woman seems to be ? ” 

Fenton felt the indignation boiling up in him 
again, for he could not fail to understand the drift 
of the chief’s question. But he strove to give a 
calm answer. 

I cannot explain that fully here before all these 
people, but I shall be ready to do so privately to 
your own satisfaction. At the same time, under- 
stand that my hesitation is not caused by anything 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


257 


compromising, but only through consideration for 
the feelings and interests of others.^’ 

^^You came here armed, did you not?’’ de- 
manded the chief. ""Why was that? ” 

""I did not come armed. I never carry arms. 
Why do you ask such a question ? You can search 
me and satisfy yourself.” 

""You declare you did not come armed — that 
you had no pistol on your person ? ” inquired the 
chief, astonished at Fenton’s positive denial and 
apparent sincerity. 

"" Most assuredly. I repeat I did not come 
armed — I had no pistol — I never carry such 
weapons.” 

"" And yet this was found on the floor just 
now,” said the chief, drawing from his pocket 
a beautiful silver-mounted revolver. 

Fenton started at the familiar appearance of 
the weapon. It certainly resembled one of a pair 
he had in New York. 

The chief noticed the surprised look of Fenton. 
His assistants exchanged significant looks. Every- 
body listened and waited in breathless expectation 
for the next question of the chief. Even the cor- 
oner and physician looked up from their examina- 
tion of the corpse. Fenton himself was awed, and 
a bewildering doubt arose in his mind. What if it 
should be one of his pistols ? But no, that could 
not be possible. They were both in his Wall Street 
office. 

""You say you are Mr. George Fenton of New 
York. This revolver contains the initials " G. F.,’ ” 
said the detective slowly and solemnly. 


258 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


Great God ! how can that he ? Am I dream.- 
ing ? am I mad ? ’’ cried Fenton. 

Mr. Fenton^ I’m afraid we shall have to detain 
you on suspicion/’ said the chief, turning away^ 
and looking at the coroner, who nodded his ap- 
proval. 

The two policemen, who had released their hold 
on Fenton during the colloquy with the chief, now 
resumed it, each grasping one of Fenton’s arms. 
He resisted no longer, and remained quiet until he 
overheard a remark made the doctor. 

The woman seems to have been strangled 
some time. I should imagine she has been dead 
for at least twenty-four hours, if not longer.” 

^^You hear, Mr. Chief? You hear what the 
doctor sa^^s ? If she has been dead so long, how 
can I have had anything to do with the deed ? I 
only arrived on the morning train. You can sat- 
isfy yourself on that point at once.” 

Bat the effect of his appeal was a wave of the 
chief’s hand to his assistants. 

What ! You will not exhaust such a simple 
means before you sanction this abominable out- 
rage ! This is your British justice, is it ? An in- 
nocent man is to be marched through your streets 
to prison like a desperate criminal because you 
will not take the trouble to find proof of his inno- 
cence that lies under your very nose.” 

Fenton’s wrath was again beyond control. 

‘'^Conduct Mr. Fenton to my office,” said the 
chief. ^^Take him in a carriage.” 

George descended the stairs between two police- 
men and w^as driven off. 

Have Horace Becham and the woman servant 



before the coroner/’ said the chief to one of his as- 
sistants ; and summon the railway people.’’ 

As he left the house he said to himself — 


This is a singular case. The prisoner acts 
and talks like an innocent man. But why did he 
lie about the pistol ? ” 


CHAPTER XXIX. 

Duking the period of which I write any great 
tragedy in any part of the world was good food for 
the daily newspapers of Xew York, and as a mat- 
ter of course columns of exciting descriptions were 
surrendered to ^Hhe horrible murder in Montreal.” 
The announcement of George Fenton’s arrest on 
suspicion fell like an awful thunder clap on the 
good people of New York. Appearing first in the 
afternoon papers it was accompanied by the usual 
misstatements and exaggerations inseparable from 
the hasty gathering up of details by enterprising 
reporters, and the consequent shock to readers who 
knew or had heard of Fenton may be imagined 
when it is stated that one of the accounts included 
the attempted suicide of the assassin.” The only 
basis for this outrageous statement was the alleged 
fact that one of the cartridges in the revolver was 
found to have been discharged and Fenton’s head 
was wounded. The police officer who gave the in- 
formation to the reporter had overlooked the impor- 
tant fact that the damage to Fenton’s head was 
not such as would have resulted from a bullet. But 
I readers do not stop to make critical examinations 


260 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


of evidence in such cases when served up in even- 
ing papers. 

Mr. Remsford almost dropped in the street 
when his eyes encountered the shocking head lines. 

George Suspected of Murder ! ’’ George At- 
tempting to Take his Own Life ! ” What fear- 
ful news ! What an announcement to make to 
Ada ! Poor Ada ! poor Ada ! It will kill her — 
kill her ! ’’ 

He hurried home in the desperate hope to get 
there before the dread news itself. He rushed into 
his wife’s room and locked the door. 

Awful — awful news, my wife — awful. We 
must keep it from Ada. Don’t let her out. Don’t 
let her see the papers. Where is she ? ” he ex- 
claimed. 

^^What is it? What can you mean, Adlai?” 
asked Mrs. Remsford in extreme alarm at her 
husband’s excited manner. 

He waved the newspaper in his hand and cried, 
George ! George ! ” 

George ! ” echoed his wife. Is he dead ? ” 

Look, look at this horrible thing.” 

She took the paper and glanced at the head 
lines quickly. A cry of agony, which resounded 
through the house, burst from her lips, and she 
fell to the floor unconscious. In another moment 
Ada was clamoring at the door for admission. So 
were the servants. The agonized father crushed 
the newspaper into his coat pocket and opened the 
door. 

It is nothing — only a fainting spell, Ada — 
only a fainting spell, my darling. She will come 
to in a moment. See, she is breathing. She is 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


261 


recovering now. Fetch some smelling salts. Run 
after them yourself, darling. Run, you had better 
go yourself,” said Mr. Remsford. 

The servants ran off in search of the salts, but 
Ada remained stroking her mother’s hands and 
fanning her face. She was pale, but extraordinar- 
ily calm. 

Father, what does it mean ? Mother never 
faints. Has anything happened ? Why was the 
door locked ? Why did mother scream in that 
awful manner ? ” asked Ada. 

The agitated father averted his face before his 
daughter’s searching eyes. He tried to frame 
some evasive answer, but before he could do so, 
Mrs. Remsford revived, opened her eyes and saw 
Ada bending over her. 

Ah I my child ! my poor child ! God pity you,” 
she exclaimed with such intense agony in voice and 
face, that Ada felt her heart almost stand still. 

Oh ! mother, dear mother, what is the mat- 
ter ? Why do you look at me so — so — sadly ? ” 

The tears flowed down her young cheeks, while 
father and servants raised Mrs. Remsford and 
placed her on a lounge. Then she appealed to her 
father again : 

There is some dreadful trouble, father. I see 
it, I feel it. I know. Tell me what it is. I will 
be calm and brave. See, I am not afraid. What 
is the use of trying to deaejye me ? ” 

I cannot, my child — I cannot,” he replied. 
^^Then you will, darling mother, you will, I 
know.” 

I think it is better to speak, Adlai,” said the 
pale v/ife, catching her daughter’s hand, and hold- 


262 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


ing* it with all her strength. '^Sit down by me 
here, Ada, and father will explain. 

She obeyed, and then looked wistfully to her 
father. 

The fact is, darling, something distressing 
has happened — ” he began unsteadil3\ 

Something ’to George ? ” interrupted Ada. 

Is he ill ? Where is he ? ” 

She tried to rise, but Mrs.Remsford detained her. 

Darling, it is worse than that — ” 

^^Not dead, surely,” exclaimed Ada, feebly. 
""No, no, not that. The fact is, dear, he is 
under arrest in Canada. Something has happened 
there — something dreadful, and he is suspected — ” 
Ada’s face brightened up, and she spoke calmly. 
"" Suspected of what ? Tell me. Don’t hesitate. 
I can bear anything now that I know he is not dead 
or ill. I will never believe anything wrong of 
George — never — never. ” 

"" That’s right, darling. Nor win we. It can 
only be some huge mistake that connects our 
George’s name with a murder.” 

"" Murder ! murder ! ” she repeated with a shud- 
der. ""Oh! that is monstrous — incredible — im- 
possible ! ” 

Her face was flushed now instead of pale. Father 
and mother both breathed a sigh of relief. Ada 
was stronger, braver than either of them. Mrs. 
Remsford drew her daughter’s face to her own and 
kissed it again and again Avith unspeakable ten- 
derness. 

""MyoA\m brave darling. God be thanked for 
your firmness and courage, You are right, dear. 
It is absolutely impossible.” 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


263 


that I am as sure as that I live/’ said Ada 
resolutely. ^^We must goto him, mother. We 
must not leave him to himself a moment longer 
than we can help. You will take me to him, of 
course, at once, father.’’ 

Meanwhile, during all the excitement that was 
agitating the city of New York, one of the hig 
English steamers from Liverpool was making its 
way majestically through the waters of the harbor, 
and in due time was lashed to its pier on the North 
River. Among the first passengers to land were 
Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Sims, young Master Geof- 
frey Fisher Sims, and four servants. They came 
unheralded, and were thus able to reach one of the 
carriages waiting on the pier, undisturbed by in- 
terviewers or by the hosts of friends, flatterers and 
S3^cophants that would have been on the lookout 
for such distinguished personages, had their arrival 
been anticipated. The sea voyage had greatly 
benefited Geoffrey physically. His eyes looked 
clear and bright, his complexion was healthy, and 
some of the old springiness and strength appeared 
in his active movements. 

The carriage rolled along Broadway and Fifth 
avenue until the well-known mansion was reached. 
As Geoffrey alighted, a screaming newsboy shoved 
before his face a copy of one of the extras. 

Ah ! bother ! ” exclaimed Geoffre^L 
But the newsboy persevered, shouting, Full 
account of the awful Canadian murder.” 

To rid himself of the boy’s importunity he took 
the paper and gave the boy an English half-crov/n 
piece. 



264 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


Geoffrey, running up the stoop after his wife and 
heir. 

Jirniny ! A big silver piece ! That’s a regu- 
lar stunner,” cried the delighted bo^", running off 
and resuming his Here’s your extry — here’s your 
extiy — get full account of the,” etc., etc. 

The returned millionaire did not even look at 
the paper. When he got inside he threw it care- 
lessly down. He was not in the habit of buying 
extras ” or of reading them either. This one lay 
for some time on a little card table in the hall, 
with its outside, crowned with startling headlines, 
looking up to the ceiling. The^T" seemed to chal- 
lenge notice — begging to be read. But they lay 
there, awful little black things on their white 
beds, unobserved. Master Sims rattled through 
the hall in all the jo^mus recklessness of the small 
boy bent on such explorations as the small boy of 
thirteen or fourteen months, whose skirt is held 
by an appreciative nurse, is capable of at that 
unsteady age. The appreciative nurse was our 
old friend Sally Smith, who displayed her genius 
now by pulling a cane from the hall stand and 
inviting her young charge to play horseman. 
Nothing loath to oblige Sally, Master Sims per- 
mitted himself to be mounted on the bare-backed 
steed, and toddled back and forth in the hall until 
rider and horse collided with the card table. Re- 
sult : — one leg of card table dislocated — cards scat- 
tered right and left— and young Master Sims 
screaming with delight, and Sall}^ disconsolate. 
Sally died : 

Whoa ! horsey ! whoa ! ” 

The steed was pulled up with a sudden jerk. 


BL4.CK FRIDAY. 


265 


and its rider thrown. But no bones broken, no 
bruises sustained. 

The eyes of the child encountered the headline 
letters of the extra, which still looked up to the 
ceiling. Master Sims clutched the paper and held 
it before his eyes upside down, just as his mother 
glided downstairs. She stooped, picked up the 
child, and pressed him lovingly to her breast as 
she tripped into the library. He still held the 
newspaper in one little hand. The thumb of the 
other hand was Hirust into his mouth ; that par- 
ticular thumb being his sugar-plum. That’s what 
Sally Smith called it, because her young master 
loved so much to suck it. 

When Mrs. Sims squatted down on the floor to 
have a good play with Geffy, he declined. He pre- 
ferred to resume his investigations of the head- 
lines. He spread the paper before him on the car- 
pet, and dabbed his fat little w^et thumb over the 
black letters. 

^‘^My he^-es, vot a hintfant ! ” cried Sally. 

Mrs. Sims seemed struck also with the evidence 
of her son’s intellectual precociousness, and con- 
templated him with eyes of rapture. 

Hallo ! hallo ! ” cried Geoffrey, appearing sud- 
denly among them. Am I permitted to squat, 
too. Master Geff^^ ? ” ^ 

Kate pulled him down beside her, and the awful 
headlines at last stared him in the face. 

Mur — George Fenton — Clara ! Oh, God I 
Suicide ! Kate ! Kate ! ” 

Does it not seem as if all these terrible strokes 
of fate were arranged to fall upon us not only 


266 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


when least expected, but during the most blissful 
moments of our life ? When we have thrown care 
to the dogs, and forgotten all but preseiit joys, is 
it not then that some misfortune, sudden and ter- 
rible, overwhelms us like the avalanche that sweeps 
down upon the happy homes and peaceful dwellers 
nestling in the valleys below? From the bright 
clear sky speeds the awful bolt ; from the treach- 
erous calm the wild hurricane. 

Geoffrey might not have bought that extra 
from the brawling newsboy, or he might have 
thrust it into his coat pocket and forgotten all 
about it. Then, at least, the few fleeting moments 
of happiness with wife and child, squatted on the 
carpeted floor, would have' rolled by without hitch 
or flaw.' But fate had ordained that he should 
throw it on the card table, to be cast thence on 
the floor, to be clutched by his little boy, to be 
pressed to his wife’s bosom — warmed, as it were, 
into new life — and then to be stung by it to the 
very heart’s core, in the moment of calmest con- 
tent. 

How ruthlessly the pretty little domestic picture 
was torn to fragments in one instant by Geoffrey’s 
horrified cry ! Even the innocent babe, incapable 
of understanding what tho cry meant, hid his face 
quickly in the nfether’s lap, and bawled out all the 
accents of infantile terror. She, the wife, was 
paralyzed, for a moment, watching without a 
stir her husband’s intense agitation as he read line 
after line, word after word, of the ghastly story/ 
She could neither cry nor speak until he had fin- 
ished all and clutched his hair violently, like one 
about to go mad. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


267 


Geoffrey ! Oh, Geoffrey" ! ’’ 

^^Kate, Kate, did you read — did you under- 
stand ? ” almost in a whisper. 

Yes, darling ; I understand George is charged 
with the crime of murder,” she answered with a 
forced calmness. 

Of murder ! Yes, of murdering her — her, 
Kate ? ” 

^‘'Who is she, Geoffrey? Who is Clara Wal- 
lace, dear?” 

"‘'Clara Wallace ! Clara ! Ha ! ha ! She was 
m3" wife — my first wife! Do you understand ? Clara 
was Sophie, Belle, Vernon, Sanders. And he ac- 
cused of her murder ! He, George Fenton, who 
loved her with his whole soul.” 

"" Oh ! Geoffrey ! Why do you saj" such wild 
things, my husband ? Did she not die two 3"ears 
ago ? Your mind is upset, darling. Come, let us 
go upstairs. You must lie down.” 

Sally Smith picked up the infant and withdrew 
at once, her own tears flowing sympatheticall3^ 

"" No, my mind is not upset, Kate. Let us stay 
here. I can tell all now where we are better. I 
am not wandering. This is not a disorder of my 
mind. Would to God it only were.” 

Kate hung her head. Despair was at her heart. 

""Don’t, don’t, Kate, mistake me. I know what 
yon are thinking — that I have deceived — wronged 
you. No, I have not. I thought her dead until a 
3^ear ago.” 

Kate looked up again gratefully, and took her 
husband’s trembling hand. 

"" You remember when we went suddenly to 
California and Europe — when you noticed how 


268 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


changed I had become, Kate. That was the time I 
learned she still lived — that she had escaped the 
awful death we all thought she had met — that she 
lived in Canada, hiding her identity, and her — her 
disfigurement, under her own maiden name, which 
I never knew till that time. How could I tell you 
the truth then, dearest ? How could I blast your 
happiness forever ? You won’t, you can’t blame 
me for that surely ? ” 

No, no, no, dearest. It was your love for me 
— ^your deep, unselfish love. But oh ! you should 
have let me share the pain with you, darling. In- 
deed, you should have done that,” she answered, 
tenderly. 

How could I ? Even had I not feared that 
your beautiful Christian faith would have forced 
you to leave me, I could not end your happy life 
so rudely, so shamefully as that.” 

Nothing could ever have forced me from you 
— ^not even that,” exclaimed Kate, resolutely. 

And now, darling, look at me, and learn that 
I love you more — unspeakably more than ever. I 
adore you, darling. Oh ! Geoffrey, come to m}^ 
heart, my love, my love ! ” 

Her arms wound themselves about his neck, 
and she kissed him with all the fervor of a warm, 
pure love. 

I might have known this, darling wife. I 
should not have doubted a moment. But it was 
better, far better, I should suffer aloue. What 
good would it have been to plungayou and mother 
and all of us into sorrow and shame ? We resolved 
— George and I — to keep the secret to ourselves.” 
‘^Good, generous George ! ” cried Kate. 


BLACK FRIDAY, 


269 


Yes, good and generous, and now he, too, is 
suffering for my sake/' 

How can you say that, dear ? This account 
must he some dreadful mistake. George is no 
more guilty than you are — than I am.’’ 

I believe that firmly, dearest. But yet he is 
suffering through me, and it tears my heart to 
think of it, Kate. I must go to him at once.” 

Yes, dear, it is your duty. Stand by him and 
save him, Geff. Go, in God’s name, and do your 
duty.” 

What a brave, good wife you are, darling. I 
feel already as if we, you and I, had saved George.” 

^Wou shall be the means of saving him,” said 
Kate with spirit. Oh ! Geoffrey, I am happy 
now, even with this dreadful business of George’s, 
for I believe our last cloud has rolled by, and that 
from now on our life will be all brightness. God 
prosper .you, darling husband, and — bring back 
George with you.” 

Geoffrey Sims’ afternoon that day was a bus}^ 
one indeed, consulting Cramson, the greatest crimi- 
nal lawyer at the Kew York bar in those days, 
sending to and receiving dispatches from Fenton, 
and filling up now and then, when alone with his 
wife, the gaps in the story about the late life of 
Clara Wallace and George Fenton. 

Mr. Henry M. Cramson accompanied him to 
Montreal, retained to defend George Fenton should 
the infamous charge of murder be seriously pressed. 


270 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


^,HAPTER XXX. 

The coroner’s inquest began next morning, and 
up to a certain point was conducted with a rushing 
method, which in Fenton’s opinion was only an- 
other instance of the same kind of indecent haste 
displayed the day before. Certain policemen and 
railroad employes had given their testimony, and 
the doctor was learnedly explaining his post mor- 
tem examination of the body, when Major Goss, 
the chief of police, entered and sat down by the 
coroner’s side. The major and the coroner con- 
ferred in low tones until the doctor’s evidence was 
concluded, and thereafter whispered together for 
some time. It was evident something had hap- 
pened, else why this pause in the proceedings ? 
Fenton nervously scanned the faces of the two 
officials, and, as he caught the major’s eye for a 
second, imagined he detected just the faintest sign 
of relaxed severity. 

Call Horace Becham,” said the coroner. 

Horace Becham will take the stand.” 

There was no response. Horace Becham did not 
appear. The major nodded significantly to the 
coroner. 

Call Corinne Regnier,” commanded the coro- 
ner next, with the same result as in the case of 
Becham. Corinne Regnier neither answered nor 
appeared. 

This investigation will stand adjourned for one 
week from to-day. Gentlemen of the jury, you 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


271 


will please be here promptly at ten o’clock on that 
day — one week from to-day.” 

The jurymen gladly withdrew^ the spectators, 
collected in the hope of sensational developments, 
left one by one, and soon only the coroner. Major 
Goss, and the police guard remained in the room 
with the prisoner. Still the coroner and the major 
continued their conference in a low tone, only a few 
words of which reached Fenton’s ears, but they 
were words that stirred him deeply. 

"G will be responsible for his appearance.” 

Major Goss, it was, who uttered them, with a 
quick glance toward Fenton himself. 

When the conference was over Major Goss 
shook the coroner's hand warmly, and then ap- 
proached where Fenton sat between the policemen. 
At a signal from the chief the officers withdrew 
some distance, and Major Goss sat down by Fen- 
ton. 

^^Mr. Fenton, I have had a long conference 
with the coroner about your unfortunate relation 
to this crime. The doctor’s testimony to the effect 
that the deceased was probably dead for some hours 
before you could have arrived — the verification of 
your own statements by the railroad employes, 
and — something else, which I cannot now explain, 
render it at least probable that some one else com- 
mitted the deed. The doctor may err, of course, 
in his scientific opinion, and Miss Wallace may not 
have been dead as long as he supposes, when the 
discovery of her corpse was made. But the coro- 
ner and I at present think you are entitled to the 
benefit of the doubt on that point. The stf*ongest 
point against you is your denial about the pistol. 


272 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


Will you tell me frankly why you did not own up 
to that ? ” 

I can only repeat that it was because I did not 
have any pistol about me. I never broug*ht it to 
Montreal — that or any other pistol. If it is mine^ 
I cannot explain how it found its way to Montreal. 
I only know it was not through me.’^ 

Major Goss watched Fenton’s face narrowly 
during this answer^ and then pulled the pistol 
from his pockety saying : 

^^Do you object to telling me whether or not 
it is yours. It contains four unexploded cart- 
ridges; the other was discharged. Look at the 
weapon.” 

Why should I object to telling the truth ? 
This revolver is mine. The initials are mine,” 
answered Fenton promptly. God only knows 
how it came to be where your assistant swears 
he found it.” 

Major Goss placed the weapon in his pocket 
again. 

"" Mr. ^Fenton, my duty compels me to detain 
you until the investigation is concluded, but — 
not under arrest. I will only ask you for your 
parole of honor. Do you promise me as a gentle- 
man not to leave here — to appear whenever re- 
quired — to make no attempt to quit Montreal 
without notifying me ? ” 

only will I give you that pledge, which 
I do DOW unreservedly, but I promise I will aid 
you, by every means in my power, to solve this 
fearful mystery. My whole fortune and that of 
some of my friends will be placed at your disposal, 
if necessary,” answered Fenton. 


BLACK FRIDAY, 


273 


Them: . ^roup of idlers still hanging* about the 
sidewalk in front of the house were astounded 
shortly after when they saw Major Goss and Mr. 
George Fenton, ^mhe Yankee broker/’ make their 
appearance, arm in arm, like the best of friends, 
enter a carriage, and drive off together. 

A new clew.” ^^The Yankee is not the as- 
sassin.”* I knew a gentleman like that couldn’t 
have done it.” Didn’t I say so?” Wonder 
who it was then ? ” were the expressions heard 
among the group when the carriage disappeared. 

I say, what’s up ? ” asked one of the idlers of 
the first policeman who emerged from the house. 

Blest if I know. Maybe they’ve found that 
the old servant woman, who’s made herself scarce, 
is the real party. Looks queer anyhow,” was the 
policeman’s explanation to his friend, the idler. It 
was given privately to this friend, but the ^Hip ” 
was too precious to be preserved in one bosom, and 
before many hours the news was not only all over 
the town, but spread before the ISTew York public 
in extras. 

^"Fenton Released.” 

No Ground for Suspicion against Him.” 

A Woman Now Said to Have Committed the 
Deed.” 

Sketch of the Life of the Supposed Assassin.” 

These were some of the headlines with which 
the new clew was preceded. 

The next day Geoffrey Sims, Mr. Cramson and 
the Remsfords arrived in Montreal. Fenton ex- 
pected the lawyer and Geoffrey, but Mr. Rems- 
ford’s appearance, accompanied hy Ada, was a 
great surprise. George was deeply touched at 


274 


BLACK FRIDAY, 


this unexpected proof of the young lady^s con- 
fidence and devotion. 

This is very, very good of you, Ada,’’ he said, 
holding the palpitating young lady in his arms. 

Could you imagine we would leave you to 
yourself under the circumstances, Greorge ? ” asked 
Mr. Remsford. Heaven he praised that we find 
you released so soon. I tell you, my hoy, we all 
had a pretty hard turn.” 

Ada had no words to utter. She could only 
weep, while George tried to soothe her. 

Don’t mind her tears, my hoy. It is the first 
good cry she has had since this awful business be- 
gan. But it will do her good. I tell you, George, 
she was plucky. I never saw anything like it. I 
keeled right over — so did her mother — when we 
read the extra, hut Ada kept her head and her 
tears, and ordered me to bring her here at once. 
She did not believe a word of it — no indeed.” 

hope you did not either, Mr. Remsford,” 
remarked Fenton. 

^^Not I,” hurriedly explained the old gentleman. 

But I lost my head completely, while she was as 
clear and — and — ^well as right and clever as she 
always is.” 

‘^^My dear Ada ! ” murmured George, tenderly. 
His lips touched the little ear into which he breathed 
the words. It was a kiss such as a father might 
have given, but it thrilled the young girl as if it 
had been the most impassioned of a lover’s. 

But let us leave this little group, passing over 
all the tender confidences exchanged between the 
affianced pair when left to themselves by Mr. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


275 


Eemsford— passing over also the interview that 
took place between George and Geoffrey — and fol- 
low Mr. Cramson to the office of Major Goss, the 
chief of police. The great lawyer found the major 
looking over certain letters that had been found 
among the murdered lady’s effects. Three check 
books lay on the table before him. 

On behalf of my client I come to offer you my 
assistance in clearing up this mystery,” said Mr. 
Cramson, when he had taken the seat offered him, 
facing the chief. Between us I hope we will be 
able to get at the truth.” 

Major Goss thanked the lawyer, and, like the 
shrewd, practical man that he was, lost little time 
in compliments which he knew would be wasted on 
a lawyer of Mr. Cramson’s character and wide 
experience. After fully explaining what had taken 
place before the coroner, he told the lawyer that 
he was almost convinced that his client knew noth- 
ing about the murder. The finding of the pistol, 
he said, was the only circumstance that looked 
queer, but as the pistol had evidently played no 
part in the tragedy — the victim having been 
strangled to death — it could have no bearing 
except as a clew — unless it could be supposed that 
Fenton had brought the pistol with the intention 
of using it, if necessary, and had dropped it in the 
excitement of a scuffle. But there was no assign- 
able motive in Fenton’s case. On the contrary the 
letters he had read disclosed the fact that Fenton 
had been a true friend to the deceased lady. 

‘‘1 don’t know whether you are cognizant of 
the strange stovy these letters disclose, Mr. Cram- 
son,” observed the chief. ^^It is by all odds the 


276 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


strang’est that has ever come within my own 
experience.’’ 

You may take it for granted that I know the 
whole story/’ said the lawyer ; but I hope it will 
not be necessary, for the ends of justice, to drag 
that story into the investigation.’’ 

is too soon to decide that point yet. Of 
course we will have to be guided by circumstances 
on that point as on others that may come up. 
There will be no reluctance on my part to withhold 
all that maybe withheld consistent with my duty,” 
answered Major Goss, cautiously. 

I am sure of that,” said the lawyer. 

Three people have disappeared, who may 
have had something to do with the murder, or be 
able to throw some light on it. It is strange that 
that old servant, whose reputation is very good, 
by the way, has disappeared so suddenly. It is 
strange, too, that neither Becham nor his wife or 
mistress — whichever she is — can be found. Bech- 
am’s reputation was always fairly good, though 
I never really liked the fellow — and there is 
nothing absolutely positive against him as yet. 
But, Mr. Cramson, if you will look over the stubs 
in this check-book, you will find that both he and 
his wife have at different times received sums of 
money from the murdered lady. You will observe, 
too, that the very last evidence of a check drawn 
by Mrs. — Mrs. — ” 

^^Sims,” said Cramson. There is no harm 
using that name among ourselves.” 

You will observe then on Mrs. Sims’ last check 
book that the last stub shows a figure — not in her 
own handwriting — for a suspiciously large sum of 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


277 


money. Thirty-four thousand dollars ! continued 
the chief. 

Has that check been cashed at the bank?” 
asked the lawyer. 

In whose favor does the stub show the check 
to have been drawn ? ” next asked the lawyer. 

^^That little fact is omitted on the stub.” 

That is certainly remarkable. Perhaps the 
lady only wrote a check and destroyed it, forget- 
ting to cancel the stub also. Ladies, you know, 
are not brilliant at business. It may be that, or it 
may be also that the person in whose favor the 
check was drawn was the murderer and feared to 
offer it at the bank after the crime,” said the law- 
yer thoughtfully. 

That is precisely my theory — I mean your last 
suggestion,” observed Major Goss, charmed that 
the great lawyer’s quick perceptions agreed with 
his own analysis of the case. 

^^The important step that remains, then,” 
resumed the lawyer, ^Ms to identify the hand- 
writing on that stub. That found, we have the 
clew.” 

Again Major Goss was filled with admiration 
and pardonable pride. Mr. Cramson studied his 
face for a moment, and then said : 

^^I think, Major Goss, you have already done 
it.” 

I think I have, sir ; I may almost say I am 
sure,” replied the major, with a triumphant sparkle 
in his eye. 

^‘"What fools even the shrewdest of these crimi- 
nals are ! ” exclaimed the lawyer. Think of that 


278 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


man leaving such unnecessary evidence behind him. 
If, as I suppose 3"ou mean, it was the murderer 
who filled up the check — only leaving the signature 
to >be written by Mrs. Sims, what a downright 
idiot he was to put even a scratch on the stub.’’ 

Mr. Cramson regarded the stub critically for a 
moment, and then breathed with relief. 

Thank God'! I don’t know the writing,” he 
said. Whose do you suppose it to be ? ” 

‘'"It is disguised, of course, but there are some 
of the characteristic signs remaining, nevertheless, 
to make one believe that this and that were writ- 
ten b3^ the same hand,” was the major’s replj^, as 
he pointed with one hand to the fatal stub, and 
held in the other a bit of writing on a sheet of 
official paper. "" Will you tell me what you think, 
Mr. Cramson ? ” 

""I am not an expert, of course, major, but 
there are some surprising resemblances, I must 
in the two,” was the reply. The lawyer con- 
tinued to examine the two specimens for some time 
after thus speaking. 

"" And now I repeat my question. Who wrote 
the stub ? ” demanded the lawyer at last. 

"" Horace Becham I ” replied Major Goss. 

Mr. Cramson gave a long Avhistle, looked up at 
the ceiling, drummed on the arms of his chair with 
his fingers, and then exclaimed : 

""Bj" Jove I major, 3mu' have solved the m^^s- 
tery.” 

Rising from his chair he seized the hand of 
Major Goss and wrung it ferventty. 

""I congratulate 3mu, sir, and I thank ^mu. It 
is an immense relief.” 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


279 


CHAPTER XXXI. 

The coroner’s jury met on the date fixed, but 
nothing* was done. They were told to come back 
at the end of another week, and then once more 
the time was extended seven days. The postpone- 
ments, while exasperating* to Georg*e Fenton, who 
was still living* under a sort of cloud which he con- 
sidered would only be completely dispelled by the 
jury’s verdict of vindication, were nevertheless un- 
avoidable owing* to the fact that neither Becham 
nor his wife nor Corinne Reg‘nier could be found. 
The detective skill of Canada was completely 
baffled. 

It was under these circumstances that Mr. Cram- 
son himself resolved to try what could be done by 
the 'New York detective force. Phil Armstrong* 
was at that time supposed to be the cleverest of 
them all. He had been trained under old Matsell, 
and had disting*uislied himself by circumventing 
some very noted criminals. It is true that some' 
people did sa}^ that Phil was no better than he 
should be, and that his skill was not skill at all — 
only pure luck ; in fact, that he had blundered on 
certain discoveries oh which his reputation rested, 
and that other men on the force, of whom much 
less was heard in the newspa^rs, deserved far 
more credit than Phil himself. But then there are 
always envious rivals, 3^ou know ; and Phil appeared 
not to worry over the hard things that were some- 
times said of him. A feller can’t please every- 
body,” Phil used to say. T’aint no use of trying. 


280 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


The swell fellers— them chaps in Wall Street and 
the clubs — knows me and trusts me.’’ 

And it was quite true, this boast of Phil Arm- 
strong* about ^^the swell fellers.” Let any one of 
them lose a watch or a pocket-book and tell Phil 
about it, Phil never failed to recover the article 
and restore it to the grateful owner for a consid- 
eration. Some moral people thought the practice 
quite reprehensible, nevertheless, and hinted that 
a policeman who let himself out for such purposes 
was a trafficker in crime, and got his share of the 
booty from the thieves themselves. Indeed, the^^ 
went so far as to intimate that Phil even contrived 
some of the pocket-picking and light robberies ex- 
pressly to enable him to recover and be rewarded. 
Still, if these stories were true, was it not strange 
that the detective could still hold the confidence of 
his official superiors ? 

When Mr. Cramson told Phil Armstrong what 
he was expected to do — what new laurels awaited 
him with rich reward, he promised to work like 
a beaver.” That was his exact expression, and he 
began beavering in Canada, going all over the old 
ground that had been trodden before by provincial 
experts. The sum of his achievements when he re- 
turned to New York was an old daguerreotype of 
Becham in his youth, and a ^Hheory.” Phil had 
learned that word thoroughly and made it almost 
his own exclusive^property. Whenever he was 
given a case to work up, my theorj^ ” always 
found its way into the newspapers. Everything 
either squared with or did not square with my 
theory.” 

In the Becham case **' my theory” amounted to 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


281 


this : Horace Becham had been a detective him- 
self. No detective, turned criminal, would leave 
behind him ordinary clews. Becham had excelled 
himself. He had left no clews whatever. But the 
stub business ? Pshaw ! that was of no conse- 
quence now. It was unnecessary for ^^my theo- 
ry.’^ How was a stub g*oing* to help to find 
Becham ? No, my theory is that Becham has 
not run away to Europe with his French wife, as 
another feller not a detective would have done, but 
that he is on this side of the big- pond, perhaps in 
the Provinces, if not in the States. But, as he 
was a detective, he is more likely to be where he 
knows he could hide best, right here in New York. 
He may have pretended to go to Europe, just to 
throw the Kanuck greenhorns off the right track, 
but ten dollars to a dime he is right here.” 

And to prove the sagacity of my theory ” he 
j)araded the old daguerreotype at the steamship 
offices until he found a clerk who pointed to 
Horace Becham and wife” among the names 
on the passenger list of a steamer that had sailed 
from Boston via Halifax some time before. The 
gentleman certainly did resemble the old daguer- 
reotype, the clerk admitted, asking however of 
what consequence that fact could be if Mr. Horace 
Becham was the Becham sought after. The de- 
tective only grinned superciliously and asked 
whether it were not true that Becham had got 
off at Halifax instead of going all the way to 
Europe. Then the detective grinned again when 
the clerk acknowledged that Becham had got off 
at Halifax. 

Now Becham came right back to Boston from 


282 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


Halifax^ and from Boston he came here to New 
York. Here he is, and here he *11 stick until we 
nab him. That’s my theorj-,” said Phil to Mr. 
Cramson, in making* his report. 

Very well, now your real work begins,” an- 
swered Mr. Cramson. Nab the fellow, and nab 
him as quickly as you can. Remember, it’s worth 
ten thousand, perhaps more, in your pocket.” 

The bait was tempting, but Phil Armstrong 
failed to grab it. When it came to the nabbing of 
Becham his resources were exhausted. All his 
efforts had the same ending. This, let it be well 
understood, was in the days when New York’s 
police organization had not reached the perfection, 
which, in the opinion of its admirers, it has attained 
to-day. There was no Byrnes then as now to un- 
ravel the mysteries of crime and to confound the 
criminals. 

So Mr. Cramson at la&t told Armstrong in quite 
legal and parliamentary language that he was a 
humbug and a fraud. This is how he said it : 

Armstrong, if ever my pockets are picked, I 
will send for you. But for the present let us say 
good-by.” 

He tried other detectives, but with equally un- 
satisfactory results, and then went back to Mont- 
real to consult with Major Goss. What was to 
be done ? Should the inquest go on without wait- 
ing for Bedlam’s capture, or what ? 

Fenton himself was anxious to have the suspense 
ended, and urged that the coroner’s investigation 
should be resumed at once and continued to a close 
without interruption. The long waiting and sus- 
pense were insupportable. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


28 B 


I have nothing- to, fear from any honest jury. 
Let us have a verdict, and be done with the thing. 
The criminal can be hunted down afterward,” 
said George Fenton. 

But this did not suit Major Goss for some 
reason; so the conference ended with an agree- 
ment to postpone for another week. Geoffrey 
Sims remained with Fenton a good part of the 
dreary week that followed, and then, as he had 
not seen his wife and child for more than a month, 
he told his friend he believed he’d take a run back 
to ITew York for a few days, but return in time for 
the inquest. 

Oh ! go by all means, Geff . You know it’s no 
use staying in this weary way. You need not 
hurry either about returning. Things are all 
right, though infernally slow. The inquest is only 
a form. I sliau be exonerated or vindicated, and 
then I can give my own time to hunting down the 
murderer myself,” said Fenton. 

It’s an odd thing, George,” remarked Geoffre}^, 
^^but talking of your vindication, reminds me of 
m3^ dreams lately. For three nights in succession 
I have had the same dream, always the same. It 
was about a Frenchwoman — not this Becham wo- 
man, but another quite of the same kind, I fancy, 
who each time in my dreams has urged me to go 
to New York. And the queerest part of it was 
that the reason given for her urging was, ^^You 
shall hear something' strange in Ne^v York.” 

Very likely you will,” said Fenton, with one 
of his rare smiles; New York is the place for 
that sort of thing. You have two good reasons 
instead of one now for going.” 


284 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


then, George.” 

Good-by, Geff. Don't forget to write to me 
about the dream developments, if you find any.” 

It was said jocosely, and each smiled pleasantly 
at parting, but Geoffrey’s dreams had made too 
strong an impression on his mind to be dismissed 
lightly’, for they had revived the recollection of the 
disagreeable Mme.Vernay, associated with the most 
painful incident in his father’s career — the only 
blot on his memory. Sincerely did Geoffrey hope 
that his dreams did not portend a meeting with 
Mme. Vernay. Need it be said that Mme. Vernay 
was the Frenchwoman of his dreams. 

The rain was falling in torrents when he reached 
New York, but the young millionaire thought little 
about the dismal, dreary aspect out-of-doors, or of 
his muddy boots and dripping coat and hat, when 
once more in the presence of his wife and heir. 
The shrieking wind and the angry rain, sweeping 
in gusts against the window panes on that mid- 
October morning, raw and cold, as a wet October 
morning generally is in New York, might do their 
worst. They could not spoil his pleasure now, 
though he had regarded them as a special vexa- 
tion at the depot because they prevented his walk- 
ing from there to his home. When he had discarded 
his wet for clean, fresh, dry garments and sat down 
in the cheery breakfast room, warmed by a bright 
coal fire in the iron grate, with his wife right oppo- 
site, he thought it quite delicious to have the horrid 
storm. 

He and Kate sat smiling at each other in perfect 
content. 

^^Oh! I feel so happy at this moment, Geff! 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


285 


to have you all to myself again ! ’’ murmured 
Mrs. Sims, pressing her husband's hand lovingly. 

Yes, darling, but unfortunately it’s only for 
a day or so. I must get back to poor George, you 
know. I declare one learns to value more highly 
a dear little wife — like somebody — through an occa- 
sional separation. It seems to me you have become 
ten times more precious and beautiful — and loving 
— and—” 

^^And what, darling?” asked the delighted 
wife, squeezing his hand again. 

And — as I was going to say when you pinched 
me so horribly — the thought of having to leave you 
again — ” 

^^So soon, too — ” said Mrs. Sims. 

Yes, so soon, is almost like — like death,” con- 
cluded Geoffrey. 

Mrs. Sims gave a little shiver. 

Don’t for goodness’ sake, Geff, say such a 
horrid thing again. I don’t like you, even in the 
sense you mean, to speak of death.” 

^^Then I won’t do it. What a nervous little 
humbug you are,” added Geoffrey. But where’s 
our young son and heir, Kate ? Why isn’t he at 
breakfast ? ” 

The son and heir was duly trotted in by Sally 
Smith, embraced warmly and then trotted off again 
with his thumb in his mouth, for he declined to be 
propped up at the table, even with Sally as spoon- 
^ holder, and kicked valiantly against it until he was 
^et loose. 

r What a temper the fellow has ! ” said Geof- 
frey. 

Temper ! Say spirit,” suggested Kate. 


286 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


All rig'lit. A rose by any other name would 
smell as sweet. O Kate^ I can exclaim as you did 
just now, "how happy I feel.’ ” 

"" Do you really ? ” 

"" Indeed I do. It may seem heartless from one 
point of view. I mean considering* the fact — that 
is, you know — ” 

"" Yes, I understand, darling*; but you have had 
sadness enoug*h, and suffered enough, dear hus- 
band, and you must not grudge yourself all that 
the present and future may offer. You have no 
reason to blame ^"ourself for the sad event that has 
happened, and j^ou may be as sorry as 3^ou like in 
one way and as grateful as yon can in the other. 
I'm getting mixed, too, darling. But we both un- 
derstand ourselves what we mean, which is that 
as it has pleased God to permit this awful tragedy, 
we thank Him that no stain remains to ourselves. 
Isn’t that it ? ” 

"" Yes, it’s something like that.” 

"" Poor girl, her life must have been so sad — 
sadder than yours, Geoffrey. But we won’t talk 
of it any more.” 

A silence succeeded for awhile. Then Kate 
broke it, forgetful of her own caution to avoid the 
one sad subject. A tear was sparkling in her eye 
as she asked softly : 

"" Geoffrey, did 3^ou love her much ? ” 

""Yes, very, very much, as one might love a 
sister — not at all as I love you, dearest one.” 

And then the subject was dropped. 

About seven o’clock that evening, a servant in- 
formed Mrs. Sims that a woman was waiting to 
see her. Mrs. Sims started, and a blu^h spread all 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


287 


over her face, unnoticed hy Geoffrey, who was just 
at that moment ag'ain thinking- about his dreams, 
wondering- if the strange news he was to hear could 
have any relation to the murder. The subject was 
recurring in his mind so often that he could not 
help being singularly impressed by it. 

His wife, who had left him to see her visitor, re- 
turned in a moment, and roused him from his rev- 
erie, by exclaiming : 

Geoffrey, I have to ask you to forgive me. 
In the joy of our meeting, I quite forgot to tell you 
that a woman called here yesterday to inquire for 
you. When I saw her, she told me she came from 
a lady who was lying sick at St. Vincent’s Hos- 
pital — in danger of death — ^who wished to see you 
alone before she died.” 

^^Well, you do look guilty, Kate, certainly. 
You are flushing all over. But go on. What 
about it ? I don’t know any one sick at any 
hospital so far as I am aware,” said Geoffrey, 
carelessly. But, hello ! about those blushes ! 
What do they mean?” 

Only penitence, Geff, on account of my for- 
getfulness. The woman is here again, and I think 
you must see her yourself alone.” 

^^Kot a bit of it. She shall come here and tell 
us both all about it.” 

Kate led into the room an old woman, evidently 
a servant, whose first word caused Geoffrey to 
start. It was only ^"Monsieur.” 

‘‘Mj dream ! ” he exclaimed, involuntarily. 

Monsieur, the lady from whom I come wishes 
to see you at once — as soon as you can come. She 


288 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


fears she is dying*. She says you will remember 
her by this.’’ 

The woman handed Geoffrey a card upon which 
was written : 

Charlotte Vernay. 

^^Kate^ I must go immediately ! ” he exclaimed, 
jumping to his feet in great excitement. This 
is the most extraordinar}^ thing I have ever known. 
I will tell you all about it when I return. Don’t 
ask me an3^ questions now, for I don’t want to lose 
a moment. I may be too late, and this may be of 
the greatest importance.” 


CHAPTER XXXII. 

Into a dark room on the second floor of St. Vin- 
cent’s Hospital, Geoffrey Sims was ushered by one 
of the Sisters. It was dimhGighted b^^an oil lamp 
placed on a table, close up to which was a large in- 
valid’s chair, in which reclined a woman, propped 
up by pillows. Around her feet was wrapped a 
warm rug. The dark blue shade of the lamp re- 
flected the light upon a thin pale face, wasted by 
sickness, pinched looking, care-worn, and penitent. 
It was the face of Mine. Vernay, without the cun- 
ning impudent expression, and softened in some 
inexplicable way. Geoffrey remembered it hard, 
bold, defiant. How mild, humble, supplicating 
now ! That was what struck him at his first 
glance. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


289 


He took the seat placed for him at the table 
opposite Mme. Vernay, who waited for the Sister 
to withdraw before speaking*. Then she said in a 
low tone : — 

^^You are vera good to come to me. I was 
Traid you would refuse because — ” 

'‘'Never mind the past — ” said Geoffrey, notic- 
ing the sick woman’s hesitation. 

"Ah! but I muss, sir -I muss. I shall die, I 
know now ; they do not say it, but I feel it is to be, 
and I muss t’ink of all. I was vera bad — vera bad 
for your fader and your mudder. And now I re- 
pent myself. Ah ! I can no t’ink and express in 
Englis now. I have to say so much t’ings and 
cannot — to say in Englis. Let me try, sir.” 

" You may speak your own tongue, Mme. Ver- 
nay. It will be easier for you and I can follow 
you,” observed Geoffrey in French. "If it con- 
cerns your relations with my poor father, you may 
spare yourself the trouble. I have no wish to hear 
it.” 

" Ah ! thank you, sir — thank you. It is gener- 
ous to sa3" so. You can forgive me, then, all the 
trouble I have caused joxxr family ? ” said the poor 
woman, in French. " I would go down on my 
knees before you, if I could do so, to ask your 
pardon.” 

"If it will do you any good to hear it, I fully 
forgive whatever wrongs you ma}^ have done my 
mother and father,” said Geoffrey, coldly. 

"And wrongs to you, too, sir — I have also 
wronged you, too,” said the woman, with an ap- 
pealing look. 

" If you have ever wronged me except through 


290 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


my parents, I do not know of it. But I freely for- 
give that, too. And now, madame, why have you 
summoned me ? Tell me as briefly as you can.’’ 

know I deserve no pity ; but be patient with 
me. I am not strong, I will not waste time in 
useless words.” 

Geoffrey bowed his head, and waited. 

There is no one here but ourselves ? ” asked 
Mme. Vernay, looking about the room, uneasily. 

^^No one; we are alone.” 

No one outside the door ? ” 

No one,” answered Geoffrey, when he had re- 
closed the door, after looking into the hall. 

Then I will tell you at once, Mr. Sims. Your 
friend, Mr. Fenton, is innocent of the murder of 
your first wife. I know the murderer — the one, I 
mean, who caused her death,” said Mme. Verna^^, 
almost in a whisper. 

It seemed to Geoffrey that the next minute was 
an hour. 

Go on, madame, tell me all,” he said, in fever- 
ish excitement. 

I am going to tell all, but you must promise 
not to use it against him. I mean against the 
person who really caused your wife’s death.” 

^^That is impossible,” said Geoffrey, starting 
up. ^^Your confession would do no good to my 
friend unless the real murderer could be pointed 
out. As you hope to be saved hereafter, I beseech 
you to tell me all without reservation.” 

Ah ! my God, must I then cause another 
death, too — must I denounce him — bad as he is — 
and little as I ought to wisli to spare his life. Oh ! 
my God ! my God ! ” 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


291 


Remember^ madame, there is no other way to 
clear the reputation of an innocent man. If you 
do not tell the whole truth without reserve you 
will be responsible for the ruin, and perhaps death, 
of an innocent man. You do not wish to ^o before 
your Creator with such a sin on your soul.’’ 

^^No, no; no more sin or crime,” murmured 
the woman, shaken with terror. ^^But think how 
hard it is to speak against — to brand as a mur- 
derer my own — my own — Oh ! my God ! must it 
be ! Is there no other way ? ” 

None, I assure you, and I implore you to do 
this one good deed before you go. God is merciful, 
but He is also just,^'and will not pardon one who 
permits a great wrong to prevail.” 

I know, I know. Oh ! I know too well. You 
are right, I must tell all, all, cost what it may.” 

And the miserable woman sank deeper in the 
pillow, looking as if about to collapse, Geoffrey 
was on the point of ringing the bell to summon 
assistance, but a look from the woman restrained 
him. 

Do not ring. We must not be disturbed. I 
must tell all now or never,” she said, recovering 
her strength by a great effort. Come closer to 
me, and listen well.” 

Geoff re}^ obeyed. 

The day of the murder I was in your wife’s 
apartments. I had been with her all night, the 
servant having gone away to Quebec. I had given 
her breakfast — God forgive me — coffee and cham- 
pagne — ” 

Geoffrey groaned. 

She trusted me completely while I was plot- 


292 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


ting* to ruin her — at least to rob her. The plan 
agreed upon by my husband and me was to rob her 
that morning, and to do so successfully, easily, it 
was necessary to intoxicate her. I attended to 
that, sir. I tempted her to drink the wine that 
would blind her to the trick that was to be prac- 
ticed. The trick was to have a check for nearly 
all the monej^ to her credit in bank ready for her 
signature. The check was to be in favor of my 
husband — ’’ 

Horace Becham ? ” exclaimed Geoffrey. 

^^Yes, Horace, it was he. I knew where she 
kept her check book, and I had already told 
Horace where he would find it when he came, for I 
was not to be present. He wished it to be so, and 
I pretended to consent. I had already stolen a 
blank check for him, which he was to fill up just 
before coming, so that it would be ready in his 
hand to substitute for another check for a small 
amount — thirty-four dollars — which I had asked 
her to give to Horace for the relief of a pretended 
case of distress. One check was for thirty-four 
thousand — the other for only thirty-four. We both 
thought that in her generous blindness she would 
only notice thirty -four on the larger check, if she 
noticed the figures at all. For indeed she was not 
likely to pay much attention to the amount. She 
had a habit of allowing me to fill up her checks for 
her, and I observed she gave her signature often 
without looking at the amount I had written. It 
appears marvelous to you, no doubt, that such a 
thing could be done ; but it was simple enough, 
and Horace had no doubt that he could manage 
to substitute the large for the small check, and 


BLACK FRIDAY, 


293 


cover up the amount either with his hand, or with 
the blotter, in such a way that the lady would not 
notice while writing- her sig-nature.’’ 

I understand, madame, you need not dwell 
longer on the point,” interrupted Geoffrey. 

^^Well, sir, some time before the hour when I 
expected Horace to arrive, your wife was in the 
condition required for our trick. She was only 
semi-conscious of what was taking place about her. 
I was a little afraid she might fall asleep before 
Horace came, but she did not. When I heard his 
footsteps coming up the stairs, I ran and hid my- 
self in a closet, from which I could see what would 
take place. I had promised to leave the house just 
before the time he would arrive, but I was too 
much afraid he would make some mistake, and so 
I hid in the closet. Was I not a very devil to be 
so determined that the villainy should not fail ? 
Oh ! will God ever forgive me ? ” 

She hid her face in her hands, while a tremor 
shook her frail form. When she was able to con- 
tinue the confession of her participation in the 
crime, she said : 

I will not weary you by recounting all the 
devices my hus — Horace used before he could lead 
the poor lady to the point he ^vas seeking. I will 
only say that he found an occasion to repeat the 
doleful tale of the pretended case of distress, which 
I had already described to her. 

I saw her half rise, and then fall back on the 
sofa. I knew^ Avhat was in her mind. She wanted 
to go for her check-book. I heard Horace say : 

Can I do anything for you ? ’ 


294 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


^ If your wife was here, I would ask her to get 
my check-hook/ she replied. 

^ Let me get it for you/ he said. 

^ Thank you. I feel heav^^ this morning. You 
will find it over there. Please bring it to me.^ 

Horace placed the book before her, and said : 

^ Do you wish to write a check for any purpose? 
If so, let me be your clerk. I will fill it up for 
you.’ 

‘ ^The door of the closet in which I waited was just 
sufficiently ajar to let me look out, and I could see 
him and her distinctly. I saw her nod assent to his 
proposal to act as clerk. I saw him sit down and 
take the pen. I saw his hand shake a little, and it 
made me tremble myself. He wrote quickly, how- 
ever, and then held the check book for her to read. 

^^^Is that all right?’ he asked. 

Yes, thank you. Thirty -four dollars is the 
amount your wife spoke of,’ she replied. 

I am deeply obliged for your generous contri- 
bution,’ I heard him say. 

^"Then he tore the check from the book and in 
a second substituted another — the one he had pre- 
pared before coming — for thirty-four thousand. 

He placed it before her to sign in the way 
he had told me he would do, and she wrote her 
name at once. 

He placed the check in his pocket and breathed 
a great sigh of relief. I could see by his face at 
this moment how flushed and excited he was, while 
I, wretch that I was, was thinking how much 
cooler and braver I would have been in his place. 
Yes, I gloried in the idea of my own bad superior- 
ity. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


295 


had left his hat and cane in another part 
of the room, and went to get them. 

I don’t know why it was, but in that moment 
when I saw your wife reach her hand for the check 
book and open it I had some curious presentiment 
that something evil was going to happen. She 
turned over the stubs, and I saw her start, her 
face flush with surprise or anger, and her eyes turn 
toward where my husband was standing nervously 
rubbing his hat. 

" Mr. Becham ! ’ 

He turned at once on hearing your wife call 
him in a ver^^ unusual tone, and he walked quickly 
to the table. She had risen, supporting herself 
with her hands. 

^ How much was that check for, Mr. Becham ? ’ 
she asked. 

" Thirty-four dollars.’ 

"^'Please let me see it.’ All her coolness and 
clearness seemed to have returned. In a moment 
the wine effects had vanished. Horace hesitated, 
and she repeated her request. 

‘‘ ‘ Let me see that check. I think you have 
made a mistake, for the stub has thirty-four thou- 
sand instead of thirty-four dollars.’ 

^ Indeed ! you read the check ^murself . Don’t 
you remember. You must be mistaken. Let me 
look at the stub.’ 

‘"'■^The devil! so it has thirty-four thousand. 
That is curious.’ 

I almost fell in the excitement that his excla- 
mation caused me. I was angry at him. He had 
made a tremendous blunder evidently. In his agi- 
tation preparing the small check, he had written 


296 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


the larger amount on the stub. My hand clutched 
the revolver I had in my pocket— one that I had 
brought with me with some crazy thought that it 
might be useful to myself. Why did I clutch it then? 
I am not sure, but I had a temptation to kill him. 
Certainly I drew it from my pocket and held it 
ready in my hand. 

^ You can see the check for yourself/ he said 
quickly. ^ Look at it. It is only for thirty-four 
dollars.’ 

‘^1 breathed freely again. He was saved, as I 
thought, and in my excitement the pistol dropped 
from my hand to the floor, falling on some clothes, 
but distinctly making a sound, though a dull one. 
Horace turned quickly with an expression of fear 
on his face. He had heard the noise, but just as I 
thought he was about to search for its cause, your 
wife spoke. 

^ This is not signed by me. There is another 
check. Something is wrong. Give it to me.’ 

"^He had made bad worse, and was now com- 
pletely confused. 

^ That is the only check. If you have not 
signed it, why, never mind. Don’t trouble about 
it. Some other time you can give me the amount.’ 

^^He moved toward the door to go out. Then 
your wife, who had been unable to stand at the 
table a few minutes before, ran to the door before 
he could reach it. I was paralyzed by this extraor- 
dinary movement. 

You will please deliver that other check to 
me before you leave this room.’ 

Oh ! if she had not done that, all would have 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


297 


been well — at least there would have been no 
tragedy ! 

Horace caught her by the arms and moved her 
back to the sofa. 

Are you crazy ? ’ he cried. ^ Remain there 
quietly, or it will be worse for you.’ 

You cowardly ruffian ! Do you think you can 
frighten me ? I signed that check without under- 
standing the amount. Return it to me at once, or 
I will give the alarm.’ 

^ You are mistaken. Your mind is wandering.. 
Keep quiet,’ he said, in an angry voice. 

Again he went to the door. 

This time your wife did not follow him, but ran 
to the window, crying : ^ Help ! help ! help ! ’ as 
loudly as she could. Horace turned back, put one 
hand over her mouth to stop her outcry’', and 
forced her back to the sofa. She still struggled 
and cried. 

Then Horace, O God ! put his hands around 
her throat I I don’t know whether he intended to 
strangle her or not. But I know I was so fright- 
ened myself that I could not stir or shriek when I 
saw the look on his face.” 

^^My God ! ” exclaimed Geoffrey. 

Must I go on ? Shall I tell the rest ? ” asked 
Mme. Vernay. ^^Is it not too. horrible for you to 
hear? ” 

^‘^Tell all, tell all,” answered Geoffrey. 

Ah ! would to God there was no more to tell ! 
There was soon no sound but the breathing of Hor- 
ace. Her stragglings and moans were soon over, 
and he took his great strong hands from her throat. 
Oh ! will I ever forget his face at that moment, 


298 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


when he turned around and looked through the 
room ? It was the face of a murderer ! I knew he 
had killed her with those hands^ and yet my heart 
was so hard, so devilish, that I felt no pity — only 
fear for myself. If he should see me there, the 
witness of his crime, I felt he would kill me, too, 
and yet I had not the courage to stoop down and 
pick up the pistol. No, I was afraid to move. 

^ She is dead ! I have killed her ! ’ escaped his 
lips only in a whisper. Still he started at the 
sound, and ran to the door, closing it noiselessly 
though quickly behind him. I knew what he would 
do then. He would go to our house to find me — to 
flee with me. For some moments I remained still 
in the closet, afraid to open the door — afraid to de- 
cide what I would do for myself. Would I run 
away where I would never see him more, or would 
I return to the house where I promised to meet 
him ? I decided not to abandon him, though I was 
afraid to meet him again lest he should see in my 
face what I knew. But perhaps he would tell me 
all, and then I would have time to decide what I 
would do myself. 

So I ran into the street. It was only a few 
minutes after himself. I believed he would walk 
or run home. It was necessary I should get there 
before him, or he might suspect. So I went in a 
direction where I could be sure not to meet him, 
and I hired a carriage to drive me with all speed to 
the house. I got there first, bathed my face, and 
prepared myself to look as calm as possible before 
his return. Oh ! how changed looking he ap- 
peared when at last he came into the room ! His 
eyes were wild and staring, and his mouth, oh ! I 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


299 


don't know how to describe it, so hard and cruel, 
and yet the lips were twitching. I felt myself shrink 
a little when he put his hand on my shoulder and 
hissed into my ear ; 

^ Charlotte, we must leave here this instant.' 

^ Then it is done. You have succeeded ? ’ 

I was astonished at my own calmness. 

^ Succeeded ! oh ! yes, but we must lose no 
time. It is dangerous to remain. D — n it, don’t 
you hear ? ’ 

"" ^ Of course I know. But we need not act like 
criminals,’ I replied, coolly. 

^ Criminals ! what do you mean ? Criminals.! 
Ha ! ha ! That’s what we are. Come. I’m go- 
ing now. There’s no time for gab.’ 

You’ve got the money?’ I said. ^You’ve 
cashed the check ? ’ My nerve was coming back 
wonderfully. 

^ I’ll be d — d if I — . I mean, of course, I ha ve. 
But don’t bother me now with any more questions.’ 

Though I knew he was lying, I said no more. 

I did not express any wonder, even when he 
threw off his usual street suit and disguised him- 
self very cleverly by shaving off his hair and 
whiskers, coloring his eye-brows and eye-lashes 
gray to match a wig of long flowing gray hair. 
When he put on an old-fashioned suit and a pair 
of green spectacles it was impossible to see any 
resemblance to Horace Becham, the detective. I 
made some alterations in my own dress to match 
his own, and I saw when he glared at me that he 
considered my own disguise as sufficient. Alas ! 
I had learned the art of disguise before misfortune 
threw me in his path ! 


300 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


Well, sir, we went to Quebec first, and waited 
two days for a vessel that was bound for Boston. 
The murder had evidently not yet been discovered, 
and as Corinne Reg*nier had buried her sister and 
was ready to go back to Montreal, I persuaded her 
to come with us to the States by representing that 
your wife had gone with Mr, Fenton to New York. 
She did not recognize Horace, for I represented 
him as m^^ brother, and tol(kher I had left Becham 
forever. The good soul was easily deceived and 
prevailed upon to call me Mme. Deshon, never 
Becham any more, so that my husband might 
not learn where I was. We thought it best to 
prevent her going back to the house in Montreal. 
She might suspect me, if not Horace, when she 
learned of the murder. As Horace kept away 
from us on the steamer, it was easy to prevent 
Corinne from identifying him. 

Then when we got to Boston, he went to one 
place, I to another. His opinion was it would be 
safer to be thus separated. Of course by agree- 
ment we met every day for consultation always at 
a different place, and he was always in a new dis- 
guise, so perfectly done that I did not know him 
till he spoke. I felt he was afraid of me, and as I 
did not like the expression that sometimes came 
into his eyes when he looked at me, I resolved to 
part company with him the first good opportunity 
that nresented . 

^^My idea was to run awa^^ to Hew York with 
Corinne, and from there to go to my native countr^^, 
France. I had a large part of his mone\^ about 
me, besides a good deal of my own in bank in New 
York. In that city — I mean here — I knew a place 


BLACK FKIDAY. 


301 


where I could keep Corinne away from everybody 
likely to talk of the murder — until I should get 
safely away. In Boston I had no such resource. I 
was obliged to have her always under my own eye. 
What would happen to her after I got away did 
not trouble me then. I was on the point of putting 
this scheme into execution when Horace told me 
what his plan of escape was, and that he was going 
to New York to carry it out. He informed me 
that his brother commanded a vessel engaged in 
the trade between New York and* South American 
ports, and that the vessel was at its dock in 
Brooklyn. 

^ We will go there,’ he said, ^Brother Bill 
will take care of us. We can go to South Amer- 
ica and start in something down there, some- 
where.’ 

So we went to New York together, and we kept 
together. He did not give me any chance to sepa- 
rate from him there. When I told him I wanted 
to get rid of Corinne until our plans were sure, he 
insisted upon going with me to the place I pro- 
posed to leave her. He was willing enough to 
leave Corinne in the place I had fixed upon, but he 
was not willing^to lose sight of me an hour. So I 
had to submit. 

It was about eleven o’clock at night when we 
started for Brooklyn, and when we got there the 
ship was not at her dock but in mid-stream. He 
was irritated at this and still more so when he 
found difficulty in getting a boatman to row us 
out. Then a terrible disappointment awaited him. 
When the boatman heard the name of the vessel 
he wanted to go to, he declined to row us at all. 


302 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


He said it had had yellow fever on it — that the 
captain and first mate had died at sea. 

"‘'"What was the captain’s name?’ Horace 
asked desperately. 

Captain William Becham/ was the answer. 
""" Curse you for that/ cried Horace, striking- 
the boatman fiercely and knocking- him down. 

"^^Come on/ he said to me. ^ It’s all up. 
D — n them all — d — n everything, everybody.’ 

‘^He seemed wild with rage and disappointment, 
and was disposed to vent them on 1113^ head. 

"" I was very angiy mj-self, and' forgot my fear 
of him in the indignation his coarseness to me pro- 
duced, and tried to keep away from him when we 
got on the ferr^^boat. He went out and sat on the 
big iron chain at the end of the boat near the water. 
I remained outside, too, but near the door of the 
ladies’ cabin. I was ashamed to go inside, lest he 
should follow and abuse me. I actually hoped 
he was thinking of suicide by drowning himself, 
but if he had such a thought at first, he resisted 
it. He turned and saw me. 

"" " Come here, 3’ou — ’ he cried, savageljL 
"" I made no replj^ 

"Wh3^ don’t ^mu come, ^mu hell’s bird? Are 
you afraid ? ’ ^ 

""His manner roused all the courage in me, and 
I calml^^ walked toward him. 

^ What do you want ? ’ I demanded. 

^ I want to know if you have any plan to save 
us. My last is buried with Bill. Tell me quick 
what’s in your mind.’ 

" What do you mean b^- us 9 ’ I asked taunt- 
ingly. " I don’t need to be saved. I have done 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


303 


nothing wrong. If you have, I’m willing to do 
what I can to help you, when you ask me in a proper 
way.’ 

^ What do jou mean by grinning at me like a 
monkey? You’re in the business as well as I, be 
George,’ he retorted. 

^No, I’m not in it. I had no part in what you 
did. I never advised that,^ 

" That ! that ! what’s that, you devil ? Oh ! I 
see. You’ve been reading the newspapers, and 
pretending you didn’t all the time.’ 

" Perhaps I have, but it was not necessary to 
read the papers. I knew it before,’ I said in a 
way that I saw staggered him. He reeled back 
from me, but recovered himself and hissed at me 
fiercely — 

^ What do you mean ? ’ 

I was too much incensed to think of the conse- 
quences of the words I next uttered loudly enough 
to be heard by anybody who might have been on 
deck. 

^ I saw you. strangle her with my own eyes. I 
was in the closet at the time.’ 

Before I could turn he was at my throat, with 
his cfuel hands grasping me so tightly I could not 
utter a sound. He dragged me out to the end of 
the boat, and jumped, still holding me, into the 
water. I don’t know whether he struck me or 
whether I knocked my head against some part of 
the boat. H was knocked or struck on mj^ head in 
some way and lost my senses at once. But I was 
not to die that way. It seems I was picked up by 
some people in a pleasure boat, taken ashore, and 
left at this hospital, through the kindness of a 


304 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


charitable lady who was on the boat that saved 
me. 

When I recovered, I sent for Corinne Regnier, 
and begged the good Sisters to allow her to remain 
with me and nurse me. It was the first good act I 
had done in years, for my notion was to protect 
the good old soul by leaving her all I had in case I 
should die. Oh ! if I only had her innocence and 
simple goodness, how happy I would be. Now I 
have told you all, Mr. Sims, and I pray God you 
can still forgive me. Oh ! if you could know how 
I have suffered you would pity me ! ’’ 

You have not yet told me about your hus- 
band. What has become of him ? Do you know 
where he is ? asked Geoffrey, 

^^Alas ! I have never heard,’’ she answered 
with a sigh. 

Then I suppose we must take it for granted 
he is dead ? ” he asked. 

I do not believe it — I cannot think it, because 
I do not feel he is dead. He was an excellent 
swimmer, and I think he would have reached 
shore, for we were not far out' when we went 
overboard.” 

^^Was there no account of the ferryboat 
incident published at the time ? ” 

I only know what I have been told — that a 
day or two after, the papers said a crazy man 
had attempted to commit suicide and jumped over- 
board ; that his wife, who tried to save him, was 
dragged into the water with him, but was rescued. 
From this I imagine we must have been seen by 
somebody on the ferryboat. He knew he could 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


305 


swim to shore, while he thought I would be 
drowned before being rescued.^’ 

The cowardly brjite ! ” exclaimed Geoffrey. 

Yes, he was a brute then, but remember also 
that I was no better. I know now I was a very 
devil, and how can I blame him when I think how 
his mind was crazed by fear of arrest and death. 
Perhaps he too, has been changed by the mercy of 
God. I love him now, and pray for his salvation. 
I would save him from death, too, if he still lives, 
but that is impossible, I suppose. If they capture 
him, there will be no mercy. But he will have 
time to repent and die bravely, as I hope to die, 
and with the pardon of God.’’ 

^^You spoke of a pistol, Mme. Vernay. Can 
you tell me anything about it ? Was there any 
mark on it ? ” asked Geoffrey eagerly. 

Yes, there were two letters engraved on the 
handle — G. F. — Horace used to keep it in his 
drawer during the day — indeed always kept it 
there — except on rare occasions when he had to 
be out late at night in dangerous places.” 

Did he have the pistol long in his possession ?” 
he inquired next. 

As long as I knew him — at least I saw it 
shortly after we became intimate.” 

And do you know how he^ obtained it ? You 
see the initials are not his, and it is rather curious 
that he should own a weapon with another’s 
initials on it.” 

^^No, he never told me about that. Do you 
know anything about it ? Whose initials are 
they ? ” 

Mr. George Fenton’s.” 


306 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


may have stolen it. It is possible/’ she 
murmured faintly. I have no more to tell you, 
I am tired — tired now — oh! so tired. Tell me 
before you go that you forgive me.” 

I do — fully/’ he answered. 

And that you will pray for me — ” 

Yes, and that others, whose prayers will be 
more acceptable than mine, will pray for you 
also.” 

Thank you — oh ! thank you.” 

She raised his hand to her lips and kissed it. 

Tears fell on his hand. 


CHAPTER XXXIII. 

It was ver^^ late when our friend Geoffrey 
emerged from the hospital. The confession had 
occupied hours. He looked at his watch and found 
it nearly ten o’clock. 

^^Too late to do anything to-night,” he said, 
surprised and disappointed that the night was so 
far advanced. ^^The deposition will have to wait 
till morning.” 

His ideas about the law were not very clear, 
but he had a notion that the proper thing to be 
done was to have the confession put into the form 
of a deposition as quickly as possible and acknowl- 
edged before a notary public. Mme. Yernay might 
die at any moment, and then — Well, he did not 
know what might be the consequences then. They 
might, perhaps, take his own affidavit, embody- 
ing the points of the woman’s confession, or they 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


307 


might not. Heaven only knew what hocus-pocus 
the lawyer chaps would he up to. 

His elation, however, was too deep to be shat- 
tered so soon by mere vague possibilities. 

^^She can’t be in much present danger, I’m 
sure, or they would not have her sitting up as I 
found her. No, the thing is all right. Dear old 
George’s name is cleared, and I’m the happiest 
man in the world to-night. Won’t Kate be de- 
lighted? Won’t I astonish her when I tell her 
about my dreams ? ” 

When he reached his house, an express wagon 
was before the door, and the servants were helping 
to carry trunks into the hall. Paying no attention 
to this, he fairly leaped upstairs with noiseless 
bounds, and stole into his wife’s boudoir. He 
wanted to surprise Kate. The light was lowered, 
and in a chair he saw some one seated, holding the 
precious son and heir asleep in her arms. Of course 
it must be Kate. Who else had a right to be there 
at such an hour, with the babe in her arms ? On 
tip-toe he advanced until he stood behind the chair. 
Then he threw his arms about the neck of its occu- 
pant with a quick, cautious movement. A scream 
of terror, a squall from the awakened son and heir, 
and he found himself with one hand catching at the 
baby while the other clung to his mother’s neck. 

Oh ! Geoffrey, my son, is it you ? What a 
fright you gave me ! ” 

Dear, dear mother, what a joj^ful surprise ?” 
he exclaimed, embracing her affectionately. For- 
give me for alarming you. I really thought you 
were Kate, sitting there so quietly with Geffy.” 


308 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


He reached his hand up to the chandelier and 
turned on the light more brightly. 

Let me have a good look at you. How well 
and strong you are, dear mother, and how glad I 
am to see you ! ’’ 

He knelt down by her side and kissed her hand 
just as he had done when a boy. 

‘^1 think this is really one of the happiest mo- 
ments of my life, dear mother. To find you here, 
and to have such good news to tell — ’’ 

Geoffrey ! ” cried Kate, who had been watch- 
ing the little scene from her bedroom, and now 
advanced joyfully, what is your news ? I see, by 
your face it’s something very, very good.” 

That it is, indeed, my love,” he said, spring- 
ing to his feet. When I tell you that I have 
seen the murderer’s wife — that she told me all 
about the crime — that she saw the deed committed 
with her own eyes, and that the least stain is re- 
moved from George, you will admit I have good 
reason to be elated.” 

Then suddenly all three became very grave, 
for the recollection of Sophie and the tragic ending 
of her sad young life were brought vividly before 
them by the involuntary exclamation of the elder 
Mrs, Sims. 

It was only Poor girl ! ” she had murmured, 
but with such deep feeling that Geoffrey and Kate 
were unable to speak for some moments. It seemed 
to the young man that he had been speaking of 
a solemn subject with too much lightness, and the 
poor girl” was a sort of rebuke to him. This 
was why his description of the interview with 
Mine. Vernay became so thrillingly pathetic, and 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


309 


caused the tears of \ and mother to flow so 
copiously. At its conclusion the eldei lady said: — 

^^The judg-ments of the Almig-lity are some- 
times slow hut always sure, my children. His 
mercy is no less certain, when there is true repent- 
ance.” 

She was thinking* of Mme. Vernay and her own 
dead husband. Was there not another murder, 
too, which might be laid at the door of that re- 
pentant woman? 

We must be merciful ourselves, my children, 
to deserve the mercy of God. We must pray for 
all who need it.” 

There was a solemn Good-night,” and Geof- 
frey was left free to prepare a dispatch he wished 
to send to Mr. Cramson communicating the salient 
points of the night’s developments, and asking to 
be instructed as to the steps necessary to be taken. 
He sent it off and then went to his bedroom. 

Every sweet has its bitter — every joy its 
pain.” 

So thought Geoffrey as he criticised what he 
called his own levity. 

^^What a saintly mother is mine,” he said. 

If all the world were like her, there would be no 
pain.” 

His eyes fell on his wife sleeping peacefully, with 
an angelic smile on her face. It was very, very 
late ; still he bent over and kissed the smiling lips 
softly. Soft as it was, however, it awoke her, and 
she murmured : 

Oh, Geoffrey ! Geoffrey ! I am so happy, I 
could cry.” 


310 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


The morning following an answer came to him 
from Mr. Cramson, as follows : 

Confession of wife cannot be used as evidence. 
But have it prepared and sworn to before notary. 
It may be valuable otherwise. A wife’s statement 
against a husband is inadmissible as evidence. 
Fenton and Goss much gratified. Inquest will be 
again postponed until I can consult with you in 
New York. Please remain there. I leave at once.” 

With solemn visage he showed the message to 
his wife, saying : 

There’s a fine setback for us. What rot the 
law is, after all. Just think of it, we can’t use the 
truth in evidence because she happens to be his 
wife. Isn’t it absurd ? ” 

Kate refiected for some moments before an- 
swering. 

Her husband was amazed that she hesitated 
an instant to agree with him. 

^^Geoffre^^, suppose, you dear old thing — sup- 
pose I were to do something very> very wrong — ” 
she began. 

Absurd ! ” he exclaimed. 

‘^1 only say suppose I were to become a crimi- 
nal—” 

^^A burglar, or a highwayman!” he sug- 
gested. 

"‘'Be quiet, and don’t interrupt, sir,” she per- 
sisted. ""If I were a prisoner, and your testimony 
necessary to convict me, would you, sir — would 
you like to give it ? ” 

"" Of course not. I would pull out my tongue 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


311 


first — pull it out by the roots/’ said Geoffrey ener- 
getically. 

^VAnd you wouldn’t like me to testify against 
you, would you ? ” 

^^Eh?” 

You know you wouldn’t, sir. It would break 
your dear old heart, and mine too.” 

^^Oh! well, the cases are different. There’s 
no probability you would ever do anything naughty. 
You might, it is true, turn cannibal, and devour 
me and the young pumpkin, and then I couldn’t 
testify against you when the law got hold of you. 
But your reasons are no reasons at all, my dear — 
at least only women’s reasons, which amounts to 
the same thing. Kate, you know, the argument 
only amounts to this : Because yon wouldn’t like 
to do certain things, therefore, it would be wrong 
to force you.” 

^^The dear, delightful, darling old Dogberry 
wants to crush us, does it ? ” exclaimed Kate. 

Don’t you see there’s sjense in the law? If you 
do not, I certainly do, and I think it is even 
holy.” 

Well, maybe I do agree with you, after all,” 
said Geoffrey Anyhow, for the sake of peace 
in the family, I won’t persist in arguing against 
you. Let us kiss and be friends.” 

^^You old humbug!” cried Kate. 

But the kisses were given. 

The chill of Cramson’s wet blanket was quite 
cured by this little connubial discussion of the law, 
and Geoffrey waited for the lawyer’s arrival with- 
out impatience. As the reports from the hospital 
concerning the condition of Mme. Vernay were not 


312 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


alarming, he delayed also having the deposition 
acknowledged. One blunder about the law was 
sufficient for him. He was loath to risk the chance 
of committing another. So when Mr. Cramson 
appeared and glanced over the deposition, Geof- 
frey was much gratified to hear the eminent 
authority say : 

That’s capital — in excellent shape. I’m glad 
you kept it, for it gives me an excuse for seeing the 
woman. One never can tell what may happen, you 
know.” 

So they went to the hospital together. 

The^^ found Mme. Vernay propped up in her 
chair just as she had been before, only she looked 
thinner and paler in the clear light of day. A 
prayer-book and a crucifix were on the table by 
her side. 

As Geoffrey advanced she gave a faint smile of 
recognition and her lips moved as if speaking, but 
the words were inaudible. Corinne Regnier, who 
had been standing at her side, left the room. 

After introducing Mr. Cramson, Geoffre^^ said : 

We have brought the deposition for you to 
sign as soon as you have read it.” 

She inclined her head in assent, and Mr. Cram- 
son proceeded to read the paper in an impressive 
manner. When he had finished he asked her if it 
was correct. Again she nodded assent, the notary 
was called in, and the paper signed and acknowl- 
edged. When the notary withdrew, Mr. Cramson 
observed — 

I am sorry, madame, you cannot tell us where 
Mr. Becliarn is.” 

I am very sorry, too, sir, but I cannot aid a ou 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


313 


more. I know not where he can he. If dat I knew 
I would say — indeed I would/’ she replied in almost 
a whisper. 

^^It is greatly to he regretted, because though 
your statement relieves Mr. Fenton from the unjust 
suspicion that was thrown on him, still it cannot 
he used as evidence. You know, of course, a wife’s 
testimony cannot he used against her husband under 
our laws.” 

An extraordinary change at once took place in 
the woman’s face at this statement of the lawyer. 
Her head sank hack and she seemed to he enduring 
sudden pangs of the most painful character. She 
closed her eyes and wrung her hands convulsively. 

"^Ah! mon Dieu ! mon Dieu ! ” she moaned 
piteously. 

The two witnesses of her agony were astounded. 
What could it mean ? 

Geoffrey touched her lightly on the shoulder, 
and the writhing ceased. She hit her lips and 
clutched the arms of her chair as if struggling to 
make some momentous resolution. 

Try to he calm, madame,” said Geoffrey 
soothingly. 

An expression of heart-broken appeal came to 
her eyes. 

^^You say ze vife can no make — ah! — temoi- 
gnage against ze husband. Is not dat what you 
say, monsieur?” she asked, turning her eyes upon 
Mr. Cramson. 

Yes, madame, under our laws it is not per- 
mitted.” 

Den muss I tell more — more — all. I did de- 
ceive Horace. He is not m^^ true husband in law. 


314 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


When I marry him^ Achille — my udder husband — 
live in France. Ah ! mon Dieu ! dis is terrible^ 
terrible/’ g-asped Mme. Vernay. 

Mr. Oramson advanced toward her a few steps 

Do you mean you ha(f another husband living 
at the time a marriage ceremony between you and 
Becham was performed? Is that it, madame?” 
he asked. 

Oui ! monsieur, oui ! Ah ! oui ! Grace, mon 
Dieu ! grace ! ” 

And does that first husband still live ? ” 

So I believe. I have not hear he die. I t’ink 
Achille Vernaj^, he still live in Dijon, France.” 

^^Mr. Sims,” said the lawyer, ^^will you oblige 
me by seeing if the notary is stiU here. Ask him 
to remain a few minutes longer. We must add 
something to our deposition.” 

Madame Yernay remained perfectly still while 
the lawyer wrote the necessary additions to the 
deposition. She lay back on her pillows with 
closed eyes, but the twitchings about her mouth 
occasionally showed that 'the struggle was still 
going on within. If the law^^er could have read 
her mind he would have known that she was then 
crying out : 

Ah ! have mercy, oh ! my God. Have mercy! 
Pity me, save me I My crimes have been great, 
but my repentance is bitter. Pity me, and pity 
him. Save him. Poor Horace ! Poor Achille ! ” 

The paper was soon in the shape required, and 
again sworn to and acknowledg'ed before the re- 
called notar^L 

^^Do you think .you could go to Montreal, 
Mme. Vernay, next week ? Do you think you will 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


315 


be strong* enough to travel then ? ’’ asked Mr. 
Cramson. 

Oh ! monsieur, I think I die. I fear nevair 
I will go out again before my coffin. Look at me. 
Do you tfink I am not dying now — dat I will not go 
before my God soon — ah ! too soon — for I have not 
yet prepare enough.’’ 

^‘^No, I do not think so,’’ said Mr. Cramson 
decisively. ^^Your soul is sicker than your body. 
You will get Avell, madame, and you will have 
ample time for repentance. You have done well 
in telling all. You have deserved forgiveness here 
and hereafter. God will reward you, madame.” 

I bless you, monsieur, I bless you. It is pos- 
sible God will permit that I live. But you say I 
muss go to Montreal again. Ah ! I could not, 
monsieur. Dat would be terrible.” 

‘^1 know it will be a painful ordeal, but for the 
ends of justice it is necessary. Accustom yourself 
then to the thought, and try to get strong quick.” 

" ^ It is necessaire — absolument ? ’ ’ asked the 
woman. 

^^Not absolutely necessary, but it would be 
better and more convenient. If you are not. able 
to go, Ave will have to take 3 ^pur testimony by 
commission. That is all.” 

will try, monsieur, I will try. Do with me 
as may be necessaire. I will suffer for sake of 
God.” 

And for the sake of the innocent, too,” added 
Cramson . 

^SS'o^Y,” murmured the Avoman, with clasped 
hands. ^ 


316 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


They took their leave, and went out of the 
hospital. 

You think she will be able to go to Canada ? ’’ 
asked Geoffrey, when they were in the street. 

Decidedly. There is no death in her eyes. 
She will live to repent for many years. Her mal- 
ady is mental, not physical. She may lose her 
reason through religious enthusiasm, for repent- 
ance with people of such lives as hers has been 
sometimes runs into madness.” 

How lucky it was you saw her,” said Geoffrey, 
deferentially. ^^It has been George’s salvation. 
No doubtful verdict would ever satisfy one of his 
nature.” 

You are right. He is, perhaps, as sensitive 
and high strung as yourself. But now all is plain 
sailing, and I congratulate you, my dear young 
friend, on youv success.” 

My success ! ” repeated Geoffrey, blushing. 

Pshaw ! my part was all chance. All the credit 
is yours.” 

My dear boy, if you had not been there, it 
would never have come out. Do you know what 
did it? It was the touch of your hand on her 
shoulder. I saw her resolution form on the instant. 
I can’t explain it, but I saw it, as certainly as I see 
you now.” 

Let us spare the reader a description of the 
closing scenes of the inquest that followed not long 
after. As Mr. Cramson had predicted, the French- 
woman regained strength and was able to give her 
testimony before the coroner’s jur^^ whose verdict 
found that the deceased came to heir death by the 
hands of Horace Becham< ” 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


317 


And George Fenton walked forth without a 
stain. Among all his friends there was not one 
whose congratulations were more sincere than 
those of the sturdy Major Goss, chief of police. 

I never doubted your innocence for a moment 
after the first day, and even on the first day I 
could not believe you guilty,” the major declared, 
wringing Fenton’s hand warmly. 

There had been a perfect exodus of friends from 
New York who decided to be present at George 
Fenton’s vindication, and when the verdict was 
rendered they carried him in triumph from the 
court-house to the hotel. Mrs. Geoffrey Sims, Jr. ; 
Mrs. Geoffre}^ Sims, Sr. ; Miss Remsford, Mrs. 
Remsford and her husband were all there to greet 
him. 

I can offer you an unstained name now,” he 
whispered to Ada, after bestowing a chaste em- 
brace on the sh}" little brunette, who hung back on 
the outer edge of the circle until Kate had led her 
by gentle force before the proud young broker. 

'^No more unstained now than before, dear 
George,” she answered. There never was a 
blot in my estimation.” 

^^Kiss him, Kate,” Geoffrey had said to his 
wife a moment before. 

Indeed I will,” she responded, and hug him, 

too.” 

George had never submitted to such caresses 
from women, old and young, during his whole life, 
as then. For on his part it appeared to be passive, 
except when dear old Mrs. Sims folded him in her 
arms and sobbed : 

^^My dear child, you are my second son. All 


818 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


you have suffered for the sake of my first endears 
3 ^ou to my heart. 

He was then really touched — a few tears dropped 
from his e^^es, and he said : 

will always he proud of such a mother.^^ 
^^He is going* to he my son, Mrs. Sims/’ Mr. 
Cramson declared. I refuse to allow him ever 
to re-enter his old den. Only sad memories could 
come to him there. He and I are a pair of gray- 
headed bachelors, and we’ll hive together hereafter. 
He needs a young fellow like me to stir him up. 
Promise you will share my home, George. Say 
you’ll come.” 

'^1 promise,” replied Fenton, pleasantly, ^4f you 
think you can hear with a queer fellow like me — I 
promise to abide with you until the happy day — ” 
He looked toward Ada, who was again hover- 
ing on the outer edge of the happy circle. There 
was a crimson *hlush on her cheek ; so he left the 
sentence unfinished. 


CHAPTEE XXXIV. 

That George Fenton, instead of getting mar- 
ried at once after returning to New York, should 
take up his abode with Mr. Cramson was generally 
regarded as a mark of eccentricity. What could 
a young broker have in common with a lawyer old 
enough to be his father and in no way related to 
him by blood ? Ought he not rather to have gone, 
if he needed sympathy and care, to the home of his 
old friend Geoffrey Sims, or to any one of a score 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


319 


of other cheerful homes, where were youth and joy 
and all the delightful distractions to woo the mind 
and heart from melancholy morbidness? 

When it was seen that in addition to the liberal 
reward authorized by Geoffrey Sims for Becham’s 
capture, Fenton had also offered another, people 
shook their heads and whispered that the ex-bro- 
ker’s mind must be a little disordered. It was bad 
enough that he had given up business and aban- 
doned the Street.’’ But then he was very rich 
and could afford to retire if it so pleased him. But 
to offer a reward ! — well, what could he be think- 
ing of ? 

He gave more cause for criticism by the new 
mode of life he adopted. Instead of rushing to the 
solace society would have been only too glad to 
afford — instead of getting married, as he ought to 
have done — he^ plunged into curious studies only in- 
terrupted occasionally by fitful wanderings, alone, 
after curious interviews with mysterious people. 
Often he revisited Canada. Two or three times it 
was known he had gone to Europe, though no one 
met him there, that is, none of his friends. 

Why was he acting so strangely ? Even Geof- 
frey could not make it out. 

Society was prone to lay the blame on Cramson. 
It must be the old lawyer who had put such strange 
famcies into George Fenton’s head. Who else could 
it be ? 

But Mr. Cramson was not responsible for the 
change. He deplored it more than all the rest 
perhaps, for a deep affection was in his heart for 
George Fenton, whom he regarded as a son, and 


320 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


who was in turn loved by his young companion as 
a father. Still if he had not caused the change^ he 
knew what had, hut kept the knowledge to himself. 
At the same time he was as powerless to remove it 
as Geoffrey or Kate or Ada, or any other of the 
warm friends interested in the ex-hroker’s welfare. 
He cherished the hope, nevertheless, that time 
would cure what injudicious meddling and expos- 
tulations might only make more enduring. 

Time rolled on, however — a year, and then 
another year, without effecting the cure hoped for. 
And all this time a young lady was waiting with 
a sad heart — a young lady whom George Fenton 
had asked to he his wife, and to whom he would 
have already heen married, heyond a douht, hut for 
the terrible Montreal tragedy. The engagement 
had not heen broken off — its realization was only 
postponed ; hut in such an indefinite, unsatisfactory 
way that the jmung lady’s heart was sick. He 
came and went often and often to the Remsford 
residence. He was kind and tenderly solicitous, 
but there was no talk of fixing a day. 

And yet Ada could hot cast him off. Her heart 
was too deeply affected for that final step, much 
as she felt she ought to release him or he ought 
to explain and end the delicate and embarrassing 
position of both. 

Had it not been for Mr. Oramson’s statement 
that Fenton was the victim of a strange malady 
which time only could cure, perhaps she would 
have forced some explanation during some one of 
her fits of depression. But the lawyer’s assurance 
always sustained her at the critical moment, and 
gave hope that a little longer, a little longer, and 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


:21 


all will be well.’’ If he were really ill was it not 
her duty to wait ? 

But after two years even Mr. Cramson thought 
the time had come when something must be done — 
some violent move made which would force George 
Fenton to action. 

The law^^er’s house, where the ex-broker now 
spent his days, stood on a street near the old Uni- 
versity on Washington Square. It was unusually 
large for a city house, having a frontage of thirty 
feet and running back some eighty. It was two 
stories above the basement floor, but the stories 
were high and the rooms large and airy. It was 
an old house, put uj) at a time when New Yorkers, 
that is to say, our grandfathers and grandmothers, 
appreciated the solid residential comforts of life 
more than aesthetic efforts in cramped quarters. 

Mr. Cramson had gathered many beautiful 
articles about him — statuary, rare paintings and 
exquisite engravings, for which he had a passion 
almost equaling that for books. Splendid Persian 
rugs covered his floors ; costly portieres hung be- 
tween the rooms in place of doors, and indeed 
scarcely anything outside his library suggested 
the home of a lawyer. It was only upstairs, in 
that spacious front room whose v/alls were lined 
with well-fllled bookcases from floor to ceiling, 
that the calling of Cramson would have been sus- 
pected by a stranger. The character of the books 
disclosed the lawyer ; the portraits of judges and 
great legal luminaries would only have been 
gathered in such abundance by a man devoted to 
law. 

He was fond of the poets, too, and of the Bible. 


322 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


Rare editions of Shakespeare were scattered 
among* the law hooks, and a Bible was nearl}^ 
always on his desk ; he had constant use for it ; 
never a whole day went by without looking into 
one or other for inspiration. His fellow pleaders 
always looked for some brilliant use of Shake- 
speare or Holy Writ in the masterly addresses to 
court and jury to which they delighted to listen. 
For Oramson had the art of magnetizing his hear- 
ers, and of disarming envy or anger, even after the 
hottest of contests with his brethren. He was 
that rare lawyer who had no enemies, and an 
army of imitators in his own profession. 

It was evening in the library. Cramson and 
Fenton sat opposite each other in easy armchairs. 
They had dined, and the old lawyer was enjoying 
his cigar, sipping occasionally from a tumbler of 
hot punch at his side. The punch and the cigar 
were the favorite sedatives of the distinguished ad- 
vocate after his busy da^^s of legal strife. He seemed 
to be in a dreamy mood, though every little while 
his gaze rested on Fenton, who was deep in one of 
Gaborian’s detective romances. 

You pore too much, George,’’ said the lawyer 
after one of these glances. Here we are only just 
after dinner, and already 3mu are steeped in your 
book. It is not well, my boy. A time for every- 
thing and everything in its proper season.” 

^^Oh! this is only a novel,” answered Fenton, 
smiling affectionately at his old friend, but closing 
the book nevertheless out of deference. 

Yes, I know it’s a novel, but of a kind that 
keeps the eternal business before your mind. Do 
you imagine I don’t understand wh}^ you take to 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


323 


authors like Gaborian for your intellectual pabu- 
lum ? The old old business, George. Ah ! if you 
were truly wise, you would throw the business to 
the winds, once and forever. You see, my bo3% you 
are allowing one unhappy episode to absorb too 
much of your life. It is time to change all that. 
Why only think of it, George, we have been living 
here together for two w^hole years, and I am be- 
ginning to fear your coming was a great mistake 
for yourself. More cheerful surroundings would 
have been better for you. It was selfish to appro- 
priate you as I have done.” 

My dear old friend, you must not imagine such 
a thing. I am sure, quite sure, I would not have 
been half so happy anywhere else. You have been 
the kindest and best of friends. You have been 
more — a father,” said Fenton, eagerly. 

The lawyer puffed his cigar energetically before 
again speaking. 

Well then, George, if I have been as a father 
to you — if you really feel as a son — let me exercise 
a father’s privilege of scolding. I’m going to talk 
savagely. Prepare to be castigated. Bare your 
back for the scourge.” 

All right. Don’t spare the lash, if you think 
I need it,” George smilingly answered. 

Cramson puffed away again, and more furiously. 
He finished his punch at one swallow. Then he 
looked so serious that George moved uneasily in his 
chair, more than half suspecting what direction 
the scolding w^as about to take. 

My dear boy,,-as I said just now, it is time for 
all this mawkisk nonsense to cease. That’s my 
first or preparatory lash. I told you I was going 


324 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


to lay it on savagely, and you see I am. I call 
this conduct of yours downright mawkishness. 
You have allowed yourself to run into criminal 
morbidity — I believe that^s the kind of word a doc- 
tor would use — for which there is only one remedy. 
Do you understand me ? — only one remedy.^’ 

George flushed, but not with anger. He was 
surprised at his friend’s earnestness. 

Do you think I can remain silent any longer, 
my bo3^ ? Impossible. I must speak and tell you 
frankly that during these two years you have been 
permitting mawkish sentimentality to warp judg- 
ment, heart, and honorable delicacy . Every day 
of these two j^ears has been a wrong to her to 
whom you are in honor pledged. Go to her then, 
and make reparation. Your procrastination has 
been absurdl}^ unreasonable. Something is due to 
the living as well as to the dead.” 

Mr. Cramson struck his hand on the table as if 
in real anger and indignation. George was shocked 
at his friend’s unusual tone, and stammered : 

I— ” 

Yes, I know what you will say. You will tell 
me again of your dead heart, of your buried love, 
and all the rest of that driveling nonsense ; but 
please spare me. There will be another buried heart 
— another dead love soon, if you don’t shake off 
this nightmare. What are you thinking of to treat 
a good, pure, beautiful girl like Ada as if she was 
only a mere toy for you to play with like a willful 
boy?” 

1 have never thought — ” Fenton began again. 
^^No, of course you have not. You have been 
so steeped in your morbidity that your eyes were 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


325 


blinded to what ever3"body else saw, and your ears 
deaf to what eveiybody else was saving — yes, and 
is saying now.’’ 

I don’t understand,” interrupted Fenton, very 
much excited, "^Do you mean — ? ” 

I mean that the world is saying or hinting 
cruel things of her as well as of jmurself. Is it 
manly to permit that ? Can you reconcile it with 
your ideas of honor ? ” 

Fenton was startled. The mist of error was 
fading before the clear light of truth. Ada in- 
jured ! Ada exposed to painful misconceptions ! 
It should not be— it must not be. I^o, he would 
put ah end to all that at once. 

The lawj^er saw his blows were telling and con- 
tinued, redoubling them. He had hardly expected 
such quick results. 

^^It may be,” said George, with an effort, 
^Hhat I have been too self-absorbed — thinking too 
much of myself and too little of others. It must 
be so since you say it. And — if you think I ought 
to— to— ” 

I do think it, my bo3^ I think you ought not 
to pass another da^^ without going to Ada and ask- 
ing her — on your knees — to name the day — an early 
day, too. The sooner the better, even though I 
have to lose you myself.” 

An early day ! ” echoed Fenton. Ah ! yes, 
you are right. I have been blind and inconsid- 
erate. Poor Ada ! ” he excj^imed aloud with his 
lips, while in his heart there was the silent ciw of 
Poor Sophie ! ” 

Mr. Cramson got up and wrung George’s hand. 

My son, I am delighted you have at last 


326 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


shaken off this nig*htmare. Come^ we will go 
walk. You shall do no more somber thinking to- 
night. Come out v\dth me.’’ 

And out they went^, George suffering himself 
to he led without observing where. He was think- 
ing with wonder of the extraordinary change that 
had come over him since the tragic death of . So- 
phie — especially since his return to New York. 
He had believed — and had even been ashamed of 
himself for believing — that his love for Sophie had 
fled with her beauty, and he had been ready to 
marry Ada in a pure spirit of unselfishness, for 
well he knew he could never give her the whole 
heart her own deep love deserved. But with So- 
phie’s death, the intense love he had felt for her 
revived and embalmed her memory in his heart. 
When he and Geoffre^^ and the Remsfords had seen 
the body of the murdered girl consigned to the 
grave, he felt that the only true love he could ever 
have given to woman w^as buried with Sophie’s 
coffin ; that his heart was dead within him. How 
could he pretend love and devotion for any other 
woman ? 

When her remains Avere transferred to New 
York, they were placed beneath a costly monu- 
ment his love had reared to her memory in the 
beautiful cemetery of Greenwood. No one but 
George Fenton knew that the simple inscription 
engraved without date on the monument. 

To Beloved Sophie, 

referred to the murdered actress, Sophie Vernon. 
Not even Geoffrey Sims, the husband. 


BLACK FKIDAY. 


327 


And in liis remarkable infatuation he had per- 
suaded himself it would be wrong- to offer the mere 
empty shell of a heart to Ada Remsford. 

^^She deserves better/’ he thought, "‘'and in 
time she will see that happiness with me is only a 
dream. Love for another and w^orthier object will 
replace the transient affection for me. I will de- 
vote myself to the capture and punishment of 
Sophie’s slayer.” 

And that was the reason he had plunged into 
books, ever seeking to discover in the histories of 
other murder cases some clew^ or hint that would 
enable him to hunt down and drag to the gallows 
the guilty Becham. That was Vvh}^ he had con- 
sorted with detectives, paid lavish sums for sug- 
gestions, and wandered about the world in fruitless 
searches. 

What a barren, profitless role he had chosen — 
that of the avenger. ! 

The voice of his old friend Cramson now sounded 
in his ears, repeating the wmrds, """Vengeance is 
mine, saith the Lord.’ Leave justice to the Al- 
mighty, George. He will bring the assassin to 
punishment in His own time, in His own wa^L 
Nothing but evil can come to ^murself by usurping 
the prerogative of the Almighty.” 

How often had the lawyer said those words ! 

He w^as thinking of all this now while walking 
silently with Mr. Cramson, w^hen his reverie w^as 
suddenly ended by the lawyer’s exclamation : 

"" Here we are at last.” 

The^’^ were before the door of Mr. Remsford’s 
house. Fenton started and would have with- 
drawn, but the lawyer’s hand was on his arm. 


328 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


Resolution, George, strengthens with action. 
Come, let us go in and act.’^ 

Fenton followed his friend up the stoop and 
entered. He had not been inside the doors for 
a month, and, with the newly awakened sense of 
obligation to Ada, the fact of this neglect deep- 
ened his remorse. How brutally selfish he must 
have appeared ! 

^^Ah! I have been detestable,’’ he exclaimed 
on beholding Ada’s calm, pure face tinged with the 
silent sadness that must have been eating into her 
heart for two years. Good, noble girl ! ” 

Mr. Cramson cleverly led Mrs. Remsford away 
to another room, feigning an interest in some new 
picture her husband had bought that day. 

George sat down at Ada’s side. 

^^Dear Ada,” he said tenderly. 

She started with surprise, blushed scarlet, and 
almost immediately again became pale. 

Dear Ada, can you forgive me ? I have been 
in a dream, it seems — a sad, melancholj^ dream, for 
two years. I have only just awakened from it — to 
realize my own shocking indelicacy. Can you for- 
give me ? Can 3^ou pardon what must have seemed 
such brutal indifference ? ” 

I knew you were ill, dear George — that you 
were suffering. We all knew it. You must not 
speak of yourself in that cruel way.” 

Then you can forgive me — you do? ” he asked 
again, taking her hand. 

There is nothing to forgive, dear George — 
joy to be felt — that you have at last re- 
covered. Do you know that Mr. Cramson always 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


329 


told us you would get better; that time would 
cure your strange malady.’’ 

Time has worked a change, darling. Dear, 
good Cramson was right. He has been my phy- 
sician, dearest. Do you wish to know what was 
the malady, or can you pardon without—” 

Why should I wish to know unless you wish 
to tell, dear George,” said Ada, looking calmly 
into his face. 

would wish never to tell — never to allude 
to it — to bury it forever with — the rest,” replied 
George unsteadily. 

Then bury it, dear George. We will never 
speak of it again.” 

Dearest and best!” he exclaimed. 

For a few moments they were both silent. 

'"Do you know why I have come to-night, dear 
Ada? ” he asked presently, in a low voice. 

"To tell me of your recovery, I suppose,” 
answered the girl shyly. 

"Yes, to tell you that, and'l^o ask you to crown 
your forgiveness by a still greater favor.” 

He was speaking very low and very earnestly 
now. Her heart fluttered. What could he mean ? 
How could s' e crown her forgiveness but in one 
way ? 

"Can you guess, Ada dear?” he whispered, 
drawing closer to her, and putting his arm about 
her waist. 

" I think — I think you mean,” she murmured. 

"I mean by consenting to become my wife, 
soon, very soon — oh 1 as soon, darling, as you 
possibly can.” 

" Oh ! dear George I ” 


330 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


A few momeiits afterward Ada, leaning* on 
George's arm, stood before her mother. 

Mr. Cramson jumped to his feet, anticipating 
the sweet explanation trembling on the girhs lips. 
He took her in his arms and kissed her. 

Let me be the first to congratulate,'’ he cried, 
joyfully. As George’s second father, I may claim 
that right.” 

^^Ada!” exclaimed Mrs. Remsford, with a 
quick glance at George. Ada, my child, can — ” 

^^You can,” cried George Fenton, embracing 
the happy mother. ^^You can congratulate me. 
She has at last named the da^^ again. We will 
be united, with your consent, two weeks from 
to-day.” 


CHAPTER XXXV. 

Society was going to be furnished with another 
sensation — a sort of peace-offering. And George 
Fenton, with all his eccentricities, was to be taken 
back to its bosom, for, at last, he was going to be 
wedded. 

Great were the preparations in progress. It 
was to be a grand affair, this wedding, not at all 
like Geoffrey Sims’ tliird marriage two years be- 
fore ; which was a strictly private family affair, 
as befitted the peculiar circumstances of the case. 
For, of course, after poor Sophie’s tragic taking 
off, Geoffrey and Kate had to be made man and 
wife all over again, in compliance with law and 
good morals. Then there was onl^^ an early visit 
to the little church around the corner, that is to 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


say^ St. Stephen’s, where the knot was tied, fol- 
lowed by a nuptial mass, attended only by the 
bridegroom’s mother, Mr. Cramson and George 
Fenton, besides the much-married couple — a little 
wedding-breakfast, and an advertisement in the 
newspapers. But for this of George Fenton and 
Ada Remsford all the world was invited. There 
were bridesmaids galore and groomsmen and 
pages and what not. The trousseau was to be 
discussed in the newspapers, the presents de- 
scribed, and all the minutiae heralded to an eager 
world. Yes, and pretty sketches of bride and 
groom — but no portraits. Journalism had not 
then reached that advanced stage when every 
happy couple was to behold her and his picture 
spread before the public in every morning paper 
side by side, perhaps with the portraits of the 
latest addition to the dbmi-monde, or the newest 
victim of the electrocuting chair. 

It was the day before that fixed for the wed- 
ding. George had just executed his will, drawn by 
the careful hand of Mr. Cramson, who had joked 
rather unsparingly about the incongruity of the 
thing. The two, that is, George and Cramson^ 
were sitting alone in the lawyer’s library the last 
day they would spend together thus; for, of course, 
George and Ada would enter their own establish- 
ment soon after their marriage. Two happy, glad- 
some years they had been for the old lawyer, not- 
withstanding the eccentric ways of his younger 
companion. He was thinking of the approaching 
separation with an odd pang of loneliness already 
about his heart, though he covered it bravely by 
an assumption of jocosity at George’s expense. 


332 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


WeL the ^^ounger companion understood what 
was passing in the other's mind, for there was 
something of the same kind of feeling in his own 
breast, which, unlike the lawyer, he could not alto- 
gether prevent being reflected on his countenance. 
The old gentleman had twined about his heart- 
strings in such a way that this sundering of the 
tie would be sure to cause laceration. Could it not 
be made easier and softer in some way, George 
was wondering ? Could not the lawyer be coaxed 
from his isolation, and induced in the days to come 
to play father to Ada and himself in their own 
establishment ? 

A very radiant, hopeful picture was George 
drawing of the happy hours thus to be, when Sam, 
the colored servant, brought him a card — ^^Mr. 
Jephton strutter. ” 

George turned the card over in his hand several 
times with a puzzled look. 

Gentleman says you dunno him, sir, ’’said Sam. 

No, I do not, Sam, sure enough. Mr. Jephton 
Stratter has the advantage of me. And, if his 
business is not pressing, I would rather not be dis- 
turbed at present.” 

The elder member of the friendly firm looked 
gratefully at the ^munger. 

^^Says His very ’portant, and would be real 
’blig'ed ef ^mu’d a see ’em,” Sam explained. 

^^Then I suppose I muss ’blige ’em, Sam, eh? 
Ef his business is so ’portant, can’t wriggle out of 
it, can I ? ” said Fenton pleasantly. 

^^Spose not, sir.” 

Fenton rose with a sort of sigh and walked out 
of the library. 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


333 


In a little reception room off the hall downstairs 
he saw a low-sized^ hut broad-shouldered dark- 
haired man^ whose g-eneral appearance g'ave him 
an unpleasant start. With a flutter of curious ap- 
prehension he recognized the outward marks of a 
detective, and asked himself what business he could 
have with him at such a time. 

The little man rose respectfully and bowed to 
Fenton when he entered. 

I^m from Sharp, sir — Caleb Sharp, my pard- 
ner, sir,^‘ said the man. 

Indeed ! ” 

There was intense expectancy in his face in a 
moment. 

Has he any news ? ’’ 

^Wery, very important — that’s why I came. 
He couldn’t leave — so I came for him.” 

Fenton was now all excitement. His face as- 
sumed a hard, keen expression. 

What is it ? Tell me at once. Has he seen 
him ? or what ? ” 

Thinks he has seen him, sir,” replied Jephton 
Stratter. 

Where ? where ? Why don’t you go on ? ” 

Over in Brooklyn.” 

Great Heaven ! and when ? ” 

^^This morning. Jerusalem, how you prod a 
fellow ! ” exclaimed the detective. 

And did he follow him — hunt him down — hold 
him ? My God, man, why don’t you go on ? Don’t 
waste words. Out with it all at once.” 

Yes, sir ; followed him to this city — ^to a house 
in Madison Street, and — ” 

Stratter hesitated. 


334 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


And what ? ’’ 

There he lost him, sorry to sajL’’ 

^‘'What ! ! ! ’’ in almost a scream, and choking* 
with uncontrollable wrath. ^‘'Lost him after find- 
ing* him ! Let him escape. Monstrous ! It’s a 
lie ! — can’t be ! Monstrous, man ! ” 

And in his passion Fenton grasped the stout arm 
of the little man roughly and shook him fiercely. 

"^The devil ! ” shouted the detective, jerking his 
arm away in no very gentle manner. Then sud- 
denly remembering himself he added : Ex — cuse 
me — but you know I’m not accustomed to this 
sort of thing a bit. We’ll get on faster quietly, 
sir.” 

Has he escaped ? Can’t you say yes or no at 
once without any floundering ? ” ^^elled Fenton. 

Hang it, no, no, no. Will that do ? ” 

The little man was getting roused. 

Then what do you mean, in Heaven’s name ? ” 
^^Only that he disappeared — ” 

Fenton staggered, and would have fallen but 
for the celerity of the detective in running to his 
aid, catching him in his arms and placing him on 
a chair. All the blood was in Fenton’s face and 
the vessels of the temples swelling as if ready to 
burst. Jephton Stratter feared it was an apoplec- 
tic stroke and was on the point of ringing for assist- 
ance when Fenton rallied. The deep scarlet flush 
receded from the face, leaving it almost livid ; he 
breathed heavily still, with lips closed tightl}^ ; but 
he was evidently mastering the tremendous mental 
excitement rapidly. This was shown especially by 
his eyes. 

I am very sorry, sir, to cause yoii such dis- 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


335 


tress. But you misunderstand. The fellow cannot 
I escape, as you seem to think. Have no fears on that 
point/’ said the detective, hoping* to calm the g*en- 
I tleman more quickly. 

‘^Well — well. But wait — a — moment — more,’^ 
stammered Fenton, trying to rise hut failing. This 
—thing — is not quite — quite over yet.” 

The detective stood at his side watching anxious- 
ly the gradual lessening of the labored breathing 
and the return of normal color to the cheeks. 

Go on now,” said Fenton at last. 

I was sa^dng he can’t escape now we know he 
is here,” began Stratter. 

Did Sharp follow him into the house ? ” 

‘^^ISTot immediately; that would have been im- 
prudent. He had to wait for help — for another 
man to watch at the entrance outside while he 
searched the rooms. The fellow could have slipped 
out while Sharp was engaged looking from room 
to room. Don’t you see ? So he had to wait till 
another officer came along.” 

Well, and then ? ” demanded Fenton. 

He went all through the house, and blest if 
he could find him high or low,” answered the de- 
tective. 

"^Then, after all, he did escape ? ” cried Fenton 
savagely again. ^^What else does your report 
mean? He got out of that house, or — ” 

Disguised so cleverly that my pard was 
fooled. The fellow is uncommon smart, Mr. Fen- 
ton, but he can’t dodge us long ; ever^^ point is 
covered. Don’t fret about it, sir, or blame us. 
If he’s in that house we’ll nail him ; if he’s not, we 
know how to trail him again.” 


336 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


Fenton liad risen during this apologetic expla- 
nation Avith a darkened brow again. Now he 
spoke in a hard, determined tone. 

If I had been there, I would have had the 
ruffian by the throat before he could have dis- 
appeared. What nonsense, monstrous nonsense, 
to follow him deliberately, instead of seizing him 
the first moment. But, by Heaven, he sha’n’t 
escape, as you say. Wait for me here a few min- 
utes. I will go with you. I’m all right again.” 

The broker certainly walked away apparentlj^^ 
quite himself again. He hurried to his own room 
and hastily Avrote two notes — one for Ada, the 
other for Cramson. In the latter he stated he 
was obliged to go downtoAvn on some urgent 
business, and it was possible he might not be able 
to return before morning; in that case he re- 
quested his friend to see the note he inclosed for 
Ada Avas delwered. 

He left these tAvo letters, one Avithin the other, 
on his table in sucb a conspicuous Avay that the 
servant Avould be sure to take notice. Then he 
put on his hat, buttoned up his coat, and rejoined 
the detective. 

^^Let us go noAv,” he said. 

You’re sure you’re strong enough ? ” 

Quite — firm as a rock.” 

They AA^ent out together, and Avere soon lost in 
the crowds on Broadway. 

Not many minutes after, Geoffrey Sims, Avith 
his young son, noAv betAA^een three and four years 
old, AA^as ushered into the laAvyer’s library. Mr. 
Cramson Avas sitting preciseh^ as Fenton had left 
him — only his eyes were noA\" closed — Avhich AA^as 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


337 


' why it happened he was unaware of the presence 
of visitors until Master Geoffrey Fisher Sims ran 
ag-ainst his knee and clambered into his lap^, shout- 
ing*, Hallo, Unky Henry!” He clapped two 
chubby little hands ag*ainst the lawyer’s rug-ged 
cheeks. 

Geoffrey thought the old gentleman’s eyes 
looked moist; perhaps he had a cold. 

Well, well, well I ” cried Mr. Cramson, lifting 
the boy in both hands above his head, where 
have you dropped from, my boy ? ” 

A scream of delight and some vigorous kicking 
from two little legs against his arms was the only 
response. Master G. F. had to be let down and 
placed a-straddle one of the lawyer’s thighs, in 
order that he might the better investigate the 
mysteries of the big watch and chain quickly 
placed in his hands as peace-offerings. 

The young scamp wants you to come riding 
with us, Mr. Cramson,” said Geoffrey, after greet- 
ing the lawyer. He made me promise to call for 
you and George. Will yon come ? It is splendid 
outdoors. Say yes, and finish up by dining with us.” 

Yes,” heartity; ^^but we will have to wait 'for 
George. There is somebody with him downstairs. 
Our last day here, you know, Geoffrey.” 

^^Ah I I’m afraid you’ll miss him. But you 
can’t imagine how glad Kate is over the' wedding. 
She thinks it’s the very thing for him.” 

‘'"And so it is, my friend. He’ll be a different 
man. I’m sure of that. But let’s see if he’s 
through with his visitor.” 

Mr. Cramson rose to ring for Sam, still holding 
the child in his arms. 


338 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


"^^Just a moment^ Mr. Cramson^ before you 
ring*. I want to tell you something that^s on 
Kate’s mind — very near her heart, I should say. 
She was thinking*, you know, that after George 
goes into his own place, you might — that you 
might break up your solitary establishment here, 
and come to us.” 

Bless her sweet heart!” exclaimed Mr. 
Cramson. 

^‘'You see it would be awfully nice for us all. 
Kate has quite set her heart on it, and my mother, 
too. You know how much my mother thinks of 
you. There’s no need for you to go on with the 
law ; but of course, if you don’t want to give it up, 
that would make no difference.” 

- Mr. Cramson pulled the bell as he said : 

. Geoffrey, I am profoundly touched, and I will 
think over it. I don’t know but it’s time to go in 
for some play. But we’ll postpone the question 
till after the ride.” 

Sam appeared in answer to the call. 

‘^Ask Mr. Fenton if he’ll soon be disengaged. 
Tell him Mr. Sims wants him to go out for a drive.” 

Mr. Fenton has gone out,” said Sam. 

Out ! oh, no ! that can’t be. Go to his room 
— he may be there,” said Mr. Cramson, and Sam 
obeyed. ^^1 don’t think he would have gone off 
that way, for he seemed particularly anxious to be 
with me, the dear fellow. I am going to miss him 
sadly. That’s a fact. It will be dreary here, sure 
enough. What do you saj^, Geffy ? ” 

Mr. Cramson held the child out at arm’s length. 

Sam entered at the moment with a. letter in his 
hanu 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


339 


He’s not in the house, sir. I found this in his 
room, sir,” said the darkey. 

The lawyer broke the envelope and took out the 
short note for himself, noticing* at the same time 
the little sealed note for Miss Ada. 

Hello ! what’s this? ” he cried. note for 
Ada, too ! ” 

He read his own quickly, and then, turning to 
Geoffrey, said : 

That’s a queer proceeding. I don’t know 
what to make of it. It smacks of mystery. What 
urgent business can George have to call him down- 
town to-day ? And to keep him all night, per- 
haps ? Upon my word it’s odd. What do you 
think ? ” 

He handed the note to Geoffrey. 

Oh ! goodness only knows,” said Geoffrey, 
after reading. Shall we call at Remsford’s on 
the way and deliver the other ? ” 

The lawyer reflected for a moment, and shook 
his head. 

I think not. He asks me to keep it till morn- 
ing, you see. But I don’t like the thing somehow. 
I can’t see why he didn’t come here before g*oing 
out to tell me what he wished to be done, instead 
of wasting time over a letter,” said Cramson, 
gravely. 

•^Perhaps he was in a hurry — hadn’t time — 
didn’t want to be detained ; or perhaps he did not 
want you to question him,” suggested Geoffrey. 

‘'^That’s what I fear. But there’s nothing to 
be done. We must keep the little billet-doux until 
morning.- I’ll be with you. in a moment.” 

Mr. Cramson put on his light ulster, and five 


340 


BL.ACK FRIDAY. 


minutes after got into Geoffrey^s carriage, with the 
hoy on his knee, and they drove off to the Park. 


CHAPTER XXXVI. 

It was about six o’clock the same afternoon 
that Mme. Vernay happened to be walking along 
Henry Street with prayer-book and beads in her 
hands. She had been to her church, and was re- 
turning to her residence on the eastern side of the 
street, and not far from the place of worship. Her 
eyes were bright, but troubleddooking, and her 
lips were moving as if still reciting a prayer. As 
she got within half a block of the respectable three- 
story brick house, the two lower floors of which 
were occupied as her own dwelling, she noticed a 
boy going up the stoop and ringing the bell. He 
had a letter in his hand. 

What can it be — from whom ?” thought Mme. 
Vernay, and one would have said that her pale face 
grew a shade paler at the moment. Certainly the 
hand holding her beads was pressed to her left side 
as if a sudden pang was there. 

The boy had rung three times before she reached 
the stoop to ask him his business. 

^^I have a letter for a lady living here,” said 
the boy. 

Let me zee. I am ze only l^dy in zis house. 

She took the letter and said : 

Yes, it is for me.” 

The boy started away. 

Wait if there is an answer,” she called after 


BLACK FRIDAY, 


341 


him. But the hoy ran off as if not hearing*, and 
was soon gone. Then she opened the note and 
read : 

"'Dear Mme. Vernay — Will you call at my 
room downtown as soon as possible, as I wish to 
see you before leaving town. I am going away 
early to-morrow after my marriage, and I have 
something I would like to say to you this after- 
noon. If you can come at once I will be obliged, 
for I am now disengaged, and may not be so later. 
Please wait if I happen to be out. 

Yours truly, 

""George Fenton.” 

The Frenchwoman seemed relieved and mur- 
mured : "" I was afraid it was from the other.” 

She looked at her watch. 

"" Six o’clock. I will not have much time, but 
enough, I think, to return before eight, if he does 
not detain me too long.” 

She went down the stoop again, walked quickly 
to the corner, and proceeded toward East Broad- 
way. 

That her movements had been watched was 
evident, for three men suddenly appeared as soon 
as she was out of sight, and proceeded to the house. 
One of the three, just before ascending the stoop, 
said : 

"" Remember, you are not to enter on any ac- 
count until I give the signal. But keep a good 
watch, front and rear.” 

"" I would rather go with you. It’s not safe, 
sir, alone,” said one of the others. 


342 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


Pshaw ! ’’ exclaimed he who had spoken first. 

Then he walked up the stoop, took a latch-key 
from his pocket, and opened the door. He tossed 
the key to his companions and entered. The two * 
left on the sidewalk went away in opposite direc- 
tions. Let us follow the man inside. 

He went direct to the end of the hall and un- 
locked the door of a room. It was a small bath- 
room opening* into the rear apartment. Before 
entering* this he re-locked the bathroom door. It 
was with extreme caution he passed into the rear 
apartment, treading* lightly, as if fearing to alarm 
some one who might be hiding. After a quick 
glance all around he approached the partly opened 
folding doors, and peered into the front apart- 
ment. 

There was no one there. 

Then he tried all the doors. They were locked. 

He searched carefully every spot where a human 
being might be lurking. 

No one ; no one. 

He is not here,’^ said the man, seating himself 
in a cushioned armchair, with a long breath : So 
far, so. good. 

He had been in the identical apartments, at 
least in the parlor, more than a score of times be- 
fore. Still his eyes scanned every article of furni- 
ture with the closest attention. There was a large 
folding-sofa in the parlor, covered with rugs ; a 
piano; a center-table, holding books and little 
knick-knacks ; a sort of buffet, containing pretty 
china ornaments, besides decanters and glasses, 
and within, wines, brandy and cordials ; two low 
settees in opposite corners, and eight or ten chairs 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


343 


scattered carelessly about the room. On the man- 
tel was a fine French bronze clock and two bronze 
vases. The windows were heavily curtained. 

In the rear room stood a larg*e canopied bed- 
stead between the windows ; also a writing* desk, a 
high mahogany wardrobe, several easy chairs", in- 
cluding a special one for reading, supplied with 
movable book-holder ; and finally, three stools. 
Both rooms were quite richly carpeted, and there 
was altogether about Mme. Vernay’s apartments 
an air of comfort, if not refinement. 

There is only one pla'be a person could hide 
here,” thought George Fenton — for of course it was 
no other — and that shall be my port. A ward- 
robe for my sentry-box.” 

He went to the wardrobe, opened^it and stepped 
in. 

He could move about freely, for it was almost 
emptj^ of clothes. He tried the key inside the lock. 
It worked smoothly and softly. 

But his boots creaked on the polished fioor ; so 
bedspread his own top-coat over it, and then re- 
sumed the comfortably upholstered armchair — to 
watch and wait. 

A marble statue could hardly have appeared 
more fixed. There was not a stir of hand, foot or 
head ; only the rising and falling of the broad chest 
in the involuntary respirations to denote that a 
living, breathing person was there. 

And thus he waited and watched, the minutes 
dragging along slowly, wearily. How long'^each 
second must have appeared only he could tell. 

The daylight fied, and he was still there in the 
gloom and silence. 


344 BLACK FRIDAY. 

The twilight deepened and darkness surrounded 
him ; still he sat unmoved. 

When at last the street lamps were lighted and 
a few faint rays made their way through the win- 
dows he stirred slightly and murmured : 

Some one must come soon — very soon now.” 

He was right, for almost with the words his 
ears, now preternaturally sharp, heard a key in- 
serted into the hall door lock ; then the opening 
and closing ; the shuffling of feet through the hall ; 
the hand shaking the parlor door knob ! 

Quick as lightning he was within the wardrobe, 
closing its door. His heart beat wildly and his 
hands trembled with excitement, not with fear, as 
he heard the opening, closing and re-locking of the 
parlor door and — and — two voices whispering ! 

A match was next struck by one of the whis- 
perers, and the gas lit. 

In hastily closing, Fenton had forgotten to lock 
the wardrobe door, which now, he also found, he 
had allowed to remain the least bit open. Through 
the line of opening thus left, his eyes were able to 
see into the parlor, and there stood Mme. Vernay 
and — another woman, veiled ! 

Sit down now and tell me what ze mattair is ?” 
said Mme. Vernay. What is dere dat is new dat 
you have so Traid ? ” 

The second woman pushed aside her veil and 
sank into gne of the chairs. Fenton could only see 
a small part of a coarse profile, but the voice, though 
£OW and disguised, caused him to start. 

^^It is he — he — ^not a woman,” he muttered. 

Charlotte, I am sure I was followed to-day — 
Tom Brooklyn to the Madison Street house. I only 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


345 


escaped by climbing the yard fence and jumping 
into the lot at the side of the house, and from there 
on to this street. I went back at once to Brooklyn 
and put on this wretched disguise. For nearly two 
hours 1 have been lurking about near here, waiting 
for 3 "ou to show at the window. I was afraid to 
venture in without seeing you. How could I tell 
Who might be here ? ” 

Mon pauvre ! I was away to see Mr. 

some one, and did not expect you before ze eight 
o’clock. It is no eight I t’ink yet. Mais, why you 
t’ink dey follow you ? You can be mistaken. You 
have fear — only imagine — n’est-ce pas ? ” 

I wish to God it was only imagination. No, 
no, they are on m^^ track — they know I’m here, and 
now I don’t know how I’m ever to get away again. 
I must keep close here till near morning and then 
be off somewhere, God only knows where,” said 
Horace Becham — for he it was — in a nervous de- 
spairing tone. ^^I’ve not touched food since morn- 
ing — not a morsel — not even a drink.” 

Ah ! den I muss give you eat and drink. I 
have some here. Mais oui, le poulet froid et le 
vin,” said Mme^^^ernay, compassionately. ^^Here 
is some wine,” taking a bottle from the buffet. 

"" Have you brandy — a little good brandy ? ” 
asked Becham, greedily. I’m shaken all to 
pieces and need something strong — stronger than 
wine.” 

^^Yes, here is ze buffet. Come, help you. I 
will go downstairs for ze poulet and bread. You 
will drink now.” 

She passed into the bedroom, opened the door, 
and went down to the kitchen. 


346 


BLACK FEIDAY. 


Becham approached the buffet and poured out 
a good glassful of brandy, which he swallowed at 
once and with relish. 

I don’t think I’ll have many more chances for 
drinks like that. The fellows will pounce on me sure. 
Yes, I’m doomed — doomed — unless I can get away 
from this accursed city again unobserved. Why did 
I come, anyhow ? It was madness, downright mad- 
ness. I ought to have known they’d be looking for 
me sure with all the money on my head. But, God, 
what a life I’ve had these two years, wandering, 
wandering, always with the fear of knocking against 
some one who’d recognize me. D — n near it I 
came, too, once in Paris. That devil Fenton passed 
as close to me as this dresser. I thought I was 
done for, but he passed me without seeing. Ugh ! 
what a scare I got ! How I shook for five minutes 
after ! And that fellow’s eyes seem to follow me. 
Wherever I go I imagine he’s after me. J wonder 
why ? It’s the other I ought to dread, and don’t. 
I never think of the Californian. Only Fenton. 
Fenton always.” 

Mme. Vernay, returning, shut the bedroom door 
with a noise, which made Becham start and pull 
out his pistol quickly. 

Oh ! it’s only you ! Confound it, why did you 
make such a row ? I thought it was somebody else. 
D — ^n me if I didn’t think it was Fenton.” 

The pistol shook in his nervous hand. 

Horace, put pistol away. Never use it again, 
mon pauvre — ” 

What do you mean by again ? I never shot 
anybody in my life,” roared Horace. 

No, but you kill woman, and you come to kill 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


347 


man some time if you keep ze pistol. Horace, you 
muss repent — be good — prepare to die. Dat is ze 
way to get courage.’* 

Courage ! yes, I need that, sure enough ; for 
my nerves are nowhere. But your pious dodge 
won’t do for me just yet, woman. Get me out of 
here and you may make a saint of me, if you like. 
D — n it, you were as bad, worse than meself, be 
George. Wasn’t it y*bu put me up to the hellish 
job, woman ? ” 

His eyes glared murderously at the thin woman. 
He fingered the pistol as if he would like to send 
some of its contents crashing into her brains. But 
she remained undaunted, nevertheless. 

^^No, not to kill, Horace — not to kill — nevair 
dat.” 

Well, the killing resulted from your d — d plot. 
What a hellish fool I was to go into it. It was 
your job, d — n you, your job — not mine. I would 
never have thought of it alone. And then, to do 
it all for nothing — only to kill and then to have to 
run without the spoils ! Curse you for it all ! ” 

Whether it was the brandy or the sudden re- 
membrance of his companion’s part in the work 
that caused his ire, Horace Becham in a moment 
forgot all caution, and shouted his curses in a loud 
voice. 

Hush ! ” cried Mine. Yernay. Some one can 
hear.” 

Becham cowered, relapsing into silence at once. 

^^Yes, I forgot. Excuse me. I’m mad — mad 
with fear,” he moaned. Then, with a tremor, he 
whispered : 

My God ! is there anybody upstairs ? ” 


348 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


since two weeks I am alone; ze Oder 
tenant go, and I send my domestique too when 
you come. But dey can hear you in ze street if 
you cry.” 

Yes, yes,” said Horace, much relieved. 

^^Zat is bettair. Now I put ze poulet and ze 
bread here. You will sit and eat. I will make 
ze warm cafe.” 

% 

She placed the things on a table in the bedroom, 
not five paces from the wardrobe, and Horace sat 
down. Fenton could have shot him in an instant, 
but he would not. 

When Mme. Yernay had gone downstairs 
again, Becharn poured down more brandy and 
began to eat, muttering to himself all the while. 

‘'‘'She is good to me, Charlotte is, and her 
religion must be something to make her forget 
how I tried to kill her. Ah ! I wish I could get 
religion like her. Yes, be George, there’s some 
good in it to change her the way she is now.” 

Mme. Yernay came back with milk and a coffee 
urn, which she placed on the buffet. She applied 
a match to the lamp that the water might boil. 

^^Now you feel bettair — yes? Ze poulet is 
good — ze chicken— yes ? ” 

Tip-top,” murmured the man. “"I’m getting 
strong, and drowsy too. Ah ! if I could get one 
good sleep, what a different man I’d be ! When 
I close my eyes and go off for a moment, I dream 
of the d — d police, and wake with a shiver. Ah ! 
it’s awful, Charlotte, awful ! I wish to God I 
was like you, pious and all that. Perhaps I 
would get courage as you say — at least enough 
to give myself up, and be done with all this 


BtTACK FRIDAY. 


349 


hiding* and flying* and trembling*. I’m afraid even 
to get drunk now ; even that comfort’s gone.” 

Ah ! some you speak is well, mon pauvre. It 
is God, God only, can you give courage. Go to 
God. Come wiss me to my priest to-morrow. 
You will see how bettair you will be,” said Mme. 
Vernay, solemnly. She touched his shoulder with 
her thin long hand. 

— d if I don’t feel like doing it,” he 
blubbered. 

Don’t speak e zat way, Horace,” she said. 

Well, give me some more brandy.” 

She poured out a small quantity of the liquor, 
saying*: ^^You muss not too much take. You 
muss have ze tete — ze head — how you say — strong. 
No is true?” 

Yes, you are right,” he said. 

He drank, nevertheless, and soon began to ram- 
ble in his talk — mostly about religion and the life 
in Canada. After awhile, too, his mood changed 
to the melancholy, and tears flowed from his eyes. 

Charlotte,” he said at last, ^‘1 will go with 
you to your clergyman. D — nit, anything is better 
than this. You take me to-morrow, early, Char- 
lotte. Let me get out early, and I’ll try.” 

It is good, Horace, vera good. I have pray 
for you, oh ! so much, evra day and evra night. 
Now you will lay down and sleep for be strong in 
ze morning. Lay you down now. I will watch.” 

I want to, but I can’t.” 

^"Yes, you can, try, Say little prayer flrst,” 
pleaded the Frenchwoman. 

Oh ! d — n it, I don’t know any— not one,” he 
grumbled. 


350 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


^^ Lissen me, Horace. Before I pray I no sleep, 
too. Evra night 1 zee ze Sophie — ze pauvre Sophie, 
as I zee her dat day, on ze sofa, in her room. She 
comes to my bed evra night and look at wiss ze 
eyes — oh, si tristes, si tristes ! Mon Dieu ! how I 
weep. But now, Horace, if she come I no zee ze 
eyes so sad ; she smile — look glad, and I no go sad 
mesek. I know"^he have pardon me.” 

Horace’s eyes were starting out of his head while 
the Frenchwoman spoke. 

And— you — mean — she — she — comes to your 
bed now ? ” he asked, almost in a whisper. 

Yes, see ; she come here,” replied the French- 
woman, going to the side of her own bed. ^^She 
stan’ here, and she look me so glad.” 

What ! what ! in this house ! — at that bed ! ! ! ” 
he cried, starting up and backing into the front 
room, followed by his companion. 

^ - 1 would not sleep there for all the world — no 
— ^not in that bed,” he groaned. 

"^Then lie down here.” 

She drew him toward the sofa, and forced him 
genth' to lie down. 

There, I will watch for you, Horace. Be not 
’fraid. Sleep to be strong. Do not speak. Close 
eyes.” 

The man must have been utterly played out as 
well as cowed, for he obeyed like^a child. In a few 
moments he was asleep, but breathing;.heavily. A 
disturbed sleep — the sleep of the hunted and haunt- 
ed wretch. When he seemed to be sound, Mme. 
Vernay got up softly and went out into the hall. 

There was no sound. 

She returned, put on her bonnet, turned the 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


351 


gas low^ went to the hall door^ opened it, and ran 
quickly down the stoop. 

Lightly as she had closed the hall door, the 
sound reached the sleeper’s ears. He started up 
wildly. 

"^What’s that? — Who’s that? — Alone ! — Char- 
lotte gone ! — What does it mean ! ” 

He looked about thoroughly affrighted. 

Has she gone away — left me here alone — 
alone ? Ah ! and perhaps that dead woman will 
come to stare at me too ! Ah ! God ! the light — 
the light ! ” 

He ran to turn on the gas stronger. 

He turned it out altogether. 

He could not suppress a scream in the pitchy 
darkness. 

There was a noise in the back room, like a step 
— a stealthy step. The woman ! the dead woman! 

Who’s there?” he cried, staggering back 
and stumbling over a chair. 

At the same moment a flash came before his 
eyes. Then an explosion. 

A pistol ! God I I am trapped — trapped by 
her, too ! ” 

He scrambled to his feet and listened. 

All was still again. 

His eyes tried to penetrate the darkness. He 
could see no one. 

A noise in the street made him start again. 
He would have rushed to the inner room, but su- 
perstitious fear chained him to the spot where he 
stood, pistol in hand, ready to Are — fear of that 
room where the dead Sophie walked, or stood, as 
the Frenchwoman had pictured her, at the bedside. 


352 


BLACK FKIDAY. 


But the noise in the street was growing louder 
and nearer. 

Steps were on the stoop. 

‘ Hands were on the door. 

People were in the hall. 

Loud knocks at the front and rear rooms. 

Then he made a desperate dash through the 
folding-doors, reached one of the windows h^^ the 
bed, and was raising it when two hands clutched 
his neck with a grip of iron and forced him hack. 

Then a voice at his ear— the' voice of Fenton, 
like that of an avenging angel, shouted : 

Break in the doors and light the gas.’’ 

Quick as lightning Becham pointed his pistol 
backward, until he felt it touched Fenton’s body. 

Then he fired. 

There was only one cry, one Ah ! ” 

The grip about Becham’s throat relaxed a 
little, for a second. 

Then it tightened again before Becham could 
free himself, and the murderer was dragged down 
to the floor, wildly but vainly striving to loosen 
the hold about his throat. The pistol fell from 
his grasp. 

The doors were burst, open 

•Men rushed in. 

The gas was relit, and the awful spectacle dis- 
closed of Fenton, the blood gushing from a wound 
in his left side, still clinging to the assassin, clutch- 
ing his neck with the grip of death. 

Becham’s face was black, the tongue protrud- 
ing from his mouth. 


BLACK FKIDAY. 


353 


CHAPTER XXXVII. 

It was the work of but a moment to separate 
the two prostrate men. Fenton^s nails had pierced 
the neck of the detective. 

Is he dead ? ’’ asked the wounded broker, when 
his head was raised on the knee of one of the po- 
licemen. 

You’ve finished him, sure,” was the answer 
from the little detective Stratter, who, only four or 
five hours before, had been with Fenton in Mr. 
Cramson’s reception-room. 

Thank God,” murmured Fenton, who imme- 
diately fainted from loss of blood. 

A surgeon was quickly summoned, and did what 
was possible. 

"" What’s the chance, Doc ? ” asked Stratter. 

Not one in a thousand.” 

Too bad ! too bad ! ” exclaimed little Stratter. 

It was the pluckiest thing I ever knew. I wanted 
to come in with him— yes, I did ; but he wouldn’t 
listen to such a thing — and now — ah ! poor gentle- 
man, see the result. Shot fatally. Isn’t that so ? ” 

Yes, I’m sorry to say there’s little hope,” 
said the surgeon in an undertone. But we must 
not talk loud, you see. He may hear. Let us lift 
him on this bed, and then send for the best sur- 
geons we can find. We must give him all chances 
possible.” 

^^Then you don’t want him taken to his own 
home ? ” asked Detective Stratter. 

^^No ; he couldn’t stand the motion. If we can 
use this place and the bed there, it will be much 
safer,” said the surgeon. 


354 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


No trouble on that pointy Doc. The woman 
who rents the place was taken in by us awhile ag*o 
as she left the house. She was after provisions, I 
believe, when we took her. You never saw any- 
bod}^ so surprised looking* Avhen we told her she 
was under arrest. Then just after the signal 
agreed upon — the firing of his pistol — we ran to 
his assistance,’^ explained Detective Stratter. 

Then we’ll keep him here and put him on the 
bed. But first let me see what can be done for 
this woman,” observed the surgeon, turning to the 
prostrate body of Becham. 

It’s a man — not a woman — only a disguise,” 
said Stratter. 

Well, manor woman, it’s all over there any- 
how. The body should be got awa^^ from here as 
quickly as possible. That’s the worst choking I 
ever saw. What a grip our other friend must 
have,” remarked the surgeon, examining Becham’s 
lacerated throat. 

"‘'Yes; it’s simply awful,” assented the de- 
tective in a whisper. ""Do you know I think he 
intended to do just that. That’s why he didn’t 
want anybody else with him. Curious, isn’t it? 
but it was just in the same way this dead one 
murdered a girl himself two 3^ears ago in Canada. 
You know who the parties are, don’t you ? ” 

The surgeon shook his head. 

"" This is George Fenton, the broker ; the other is 
the Canadian policeman who strangled Sophie Ver- 
non, the actress, in Montreal,” explained Stratter. 

""Ah ! I remember the case,” said the surgeon. 

"" And Mr. Fenton was to have been married to- 
morrow. Poor gentleman ! ” 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


355 


^^And poor lady, too !” added the surg^eon. 

But come, let us place him on the hed ; no more 
time to4ose.’’ 

The officers complied as gently as possible. The 
movement roused George Fenton to consciousness, 
and he moaned, but he relapsed immediately. 

All this time, very different scenes were enacting 
at the homes of some of George Fenton's friends. 

Lights sparkled brightly in the Remsf ord home, 
and people were coming and going. Mamma and 
papa were smiling gayly over all the pibasant 
speeches of congratulating friends who called for 
that purpose — and to view the wedding presents. 

Ada was in her own room, admiring her bridal 
dress and thinking of George, at last to be, her own 
George. Only one short night more. But why did 
he not come ? Every sound of the door-bell brought 
a new blush of expectation to her cheeks, only to 
fade away as often from disappointment. George 
did not come. Why ? oh ! why ? 

In the gorgeous Sims dining-room sat Mr. 
Cramson, hemmed in between the^two Sims ladies, 
wife and mother. Geoffrey was opposite the 
lawyer. There was no other guests. Bravely had 
the old lawyer exerted himself to respond to the 
gayeties of Mrs. Kate. His heart was heavy with 
a gloomy apprehension he could not shake off, and 
his own mood soon crept over the rest. 

At nine o’clock he rose to say good-night.” 

Geoffrey decided to accompany him home. 

You know, Mr. Cramson, when a man like 
you shows anxiety it is apt to become contngioiis. 
I saw your distress all the evening, and I could not 


^356 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


help feeling some myself/’ observed Geoffrey, when 
they were alone in the carriage. Do you suppose 
anything has happened.” 

The whole proceeding of George before he 
went out is very suspicious. I felt anxious the 
first moment, and the feeling grew on me all the 
evening until I could bear it no longer. It was 
martyrdom to sit with your wife and mother try- 
ing to smother the wretched whisperings of fear. 
That is all I can say, except that I’m glad you’ve 
come back with me. It will be a comfort to have 
you to talk to if there is no news of George.” 

^^May I ask what definite form your fears 
take ? Are you thinking of any special danger ? ” 
asked Geoffrey. After all, what danger is to be 
apprehended from any quarter ? Why should 
George be in any peril ? ” 

Mr. Cramson was not prepared with an exact 
explanation for his own fears. But he shook his 
head sadly and said : 

It’s hard to say, my boy. I own, however, 
the ruffian Becham has been running in my head — 
an impression i^ on me that George’s all night 
business — reflect, too, the night before his wedding 
when he ought to be with Ada — is some way mixed 
up with the Montreal murder. Pardon referring 
to the subject, my friend, but it’s unavoidable.” 

No more was said until they were both in the 
cosy library again, smoking in a dismal sort of 
fashion — at least for Geoffrey. The lawyer seemed 
to find solace, however, for he remarked : 

What comfort there is in a cigar ! Thought, 
too. I always meditate and reason better puffing 
tobacco.” 


BLACK FRIDAY. 357 

it’s rather soothing- — sometimes/’ an- 
swered Geoffrey. 

^‘'Inspiring*,” returned the old gentleman. 

Geoffrey felt he was only growing more con- 
fused about George. 

Do you know — would you believe it, Greoffrey, 
since I lit this cigar I begin to see clearly. Geof- 
frey, there’s something wrong, believe me, there is. 
George went awaj^ to do something dangerous.” 

Geoffrey was so startled by the lawyer’s solemn 
manner that he let his Havana drop and then 
forgot to pick it up. It lay smoking at his feet, 
singeing the rug. # 

A long silence ensued. Fifteen minutes — half 
an hour — without a word between the two men 
only a few feet apart, and wide awake — ^too wide 
awake. The smoke clouds curled about the fine 
head of the old lawyer. In Geoffrey’s eyes they 
took most fantastic shapes. At one moment they 
were little imps dancing in wild revelry — next 
they became long ugly grinning specters, growing 
larger and larger until lost in the dark shadows of 
the ceiling. Then human faces began to emerge 
from the smoke wreaths, faces he had seen in Lon- 
don, Paris, New York, San Francisco — the face of 
his father as his imagination had often pictured it 
on the death bed — the face of the French woman — 
and — and — ah, yes, the face of poor Sophie, smiling, 
weeping, lovely, torn, disfigured, scarred, strangled! 

The cold perspiration dropped from his brow — 
he was shaking, as he jumped to his feet with a cry 
that startled the lawyer out of a reverie. 

"^Excuse me,” said Geoffrey, ashamed of hia 
strange agitation. 


358 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


What was that you cried ? I — thought — it 
was George'S voice. What trick imagination 
plays ! ’’ 

Both relapsed into painful silence, which con- 
tinued for long — very long— like hours to Geoffrey. 

Suddenly the hall-door hell rang — sharp and 
angry. Both gentlemen started to their feet, ner- 
vously regarding each other, hut speechless. And 
thus they remained till the sounds of the opening 
and closing of the door died away — till Sam's 
heavy feet, mounting the stairs, were heard. 

A gentleman to see you, sir — the same who 
was here with Mr. Fenton this afternoon,’’ said 
Sam. 

Mr. Cramson dropped hack into his seat. 

Shall I go see him, sir?” asked Geoffrey. 

You seem weak and excited.” 

^^No, no: we’ll see him together. Show him 
up here, Sam,” said Mr. Cramson. 

The little detective, Stratter, shambled awk- 
wardly into the room. One glance from Cram- 
son’s keen eyes told him the man had had news. 

^^Tell it at once,” said the lawyer, with forced 
calmness. 

I’m sorry, sir, hut my news is very serious,” 
began the detective. Mr. Fenton has been hadl}^ 
hurt — he’s — 

Dead ? ” exclaimed the lawyer. 

^^Not 3^et — hut there’s no hope, I believe — at 
least, the doctor don’t give any.” 

Mr. Cramson sat without motion or speech for 
some seconds — then he broke into a low wail. 

My poor hoy ! my poor hoy ! I felt it ; I felt 

it.” 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


359 


Geoffrey, with a very pale face, went to his side 
and touched him soothingly. 

Where is he ? ” he inquired of the detective. 

In a few clever sentences Stratter told all. 

^^Come, let us go to him,” said Mr. Cramson, 
brushing away the hot tears. 

The surgeons were consulting in the little front 
parlor of the Henry Street house as Cramson and 
Geoffrey entered. Dr. Van Buren rose at once, 
went to Mr. Cramson and whispered : 

It is very sad, my friend, but I don’t think he 
can survive the night. If there is a will to be 
made, better have it attended to at once.” 

Then we can see him ? ” Mr. Cramson asked 
chokingly. 

Certainly, he has been asking for you both, 
and for the ladies, too, Mr. Sims; for your wife 
and mother as well as for Miss Remsford. We 
notified her father, Mr. Remsford, to prepare her 
for the shock — to bring her if possible, as poor 
Fenton called for her.” 

They walked into the bedroom, and the smile 
that flitted over the face of their suffering friend 
showed they were recognized. 

Mr. Cramson was unable to repress his emotion. 

Ah ! my son ! my son ! ” he exclaimed, bend- 
ing over the bed tenderly.. 

It’s over — over — all over, dear old friend. A 
judgment on me. I would not heed your fatherly 
warning. How often you repeated to me, Wen- 
geance is mine, saith the Lord ’ ? I should have 
left it to God. Don’t weep. It — is — better. Geff, 
I’m glad — you’ve — come. Forgive — me — if I — de- 


360 


BLACK FRIDAY. 


ceived. L— did— once. I have — suffered. For- 
give—^’ 

His voice was failing* fast. 

‘"'Dear Georg*e, there's nothing* you could ever 
have done that’s not forg*iven. I have known all a 
long time, with only pi^y and love in my heart/’ 
Geoffrey whispered into the ear of the dying man. 

God — bless — you, Geff . Love for Kate, your — 
mother. Oh ! could I see them now, but late — too 
late.” 

He closed his eyes. His breathing appeared to 
have ceased, as if the end had come. But he rallied, 
and once more spoke faintly : 

Come close. Tell — Ada I — love — her trul3^ 
Ask her — forgive — me — too. Dear — sweet — Ada. 
Geff — fa — ther — fare — well.” 

The^^ were the last Avords. 

His e}^es turned upward with a fixed, wrapt 
gaze. 

There Avas a quiver. 

And George Fenton’s soul was free. 

A moment — onl^^ a moment afterAvard the hall- 
door opened again, and there Avas a rustle •f 
dresses in the front room. Ada, Kate and Mrs. 
Remsford had come. 

The solemn looks of all revealed the truth. 

^"Too late, too late — oh! merciful God!” 
moaned Hhe heart-broken girl. 

Oh ! George, George, my loA’^e — 1113^ darling,” 
she cried, falling on the lifeless form of the beloved. 

Too late ! too late ! ” 


THE END. 



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